In a move that is likely to escalate tensions in the region, Israel’s security cabinet has greenlighted a series of measures aimed at intensifying Israeli control over the occupied West Bank. This decision paves the way for further expansion of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967 and is considered a potential cornerstone for any future Palestinian state.
The announcement came from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who emphasized that the measures would “fundamentally change the legal and civil reality in Judea and Samaria,” using the biblical names for the West Bank. The package of reforms includes the lifting of long-standing regulations that barred Jewish citizens from acquiring land in the West Bank.
Smotrich asserted that these policies are designed to “deepen our roots in all regions of the Land of Israel” and to effectively “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.” Katz echoed these sentiments, declaring that “Judea and Samaria is the heart of the country,” highlighting that strengthening this area is a critical security, national, and Zionist interest.
Key elements of the reforms include transferring authority over building permits in certain Palestinian cities, such as Hebron, from Palestinian municipal bodies to Israeli authorities. Previously, any changes in construction within Jewish communities necessitated approval from both local and Israeli officials. Under the new regulations, however, such approvals will only require Israeli authorization.
“We are committed to removing barriers, creating legal and civil certainty, and allowing settlers to live, build, and develop on equal footing with every citizen of Israel,” Katz stated.
Furthermore, the measures will empower Israeli authorities to administer specific religious sites even when they are located in areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority. This aspect of the decision has drawn significant criticism, with the Palestinian presidency in Ramallah condemning the actions as an attempt to annex the occupied West Bank. The presidency asserted that these decisions reflect a blatant Israeli effort to legalize the expansion of settlements, confiscate land, and demolish Palestinian properties.
The Palestinian Authority currently governs fragmented areas within the West Bank, and the international community largely views Israeli settlements as illegal. Over 500,000 Israelis reside in settlements and outposts across the territory, while roughly three million Palestinians live in the same area.
Statements from the Yesha Council, which represents a majority of West Bank settlers, lauded the cabinet’s actions, framing them as a declaration that “the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people.”
This development comes just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit to the United States, where discussions are anticipated with President Donald Trump. Notably, Trump has previously opposed the annexation of the West Bank by Israel.
Recent reports indicate a significant uptick in settlement expansion, with 2025 marking the highest level of growth since at least 2017, according to the United Nations. In December alone, Israel approved the establishment of 19 new settlements, highlighting the accelerating pace of occupation in the region.
