International concern has intensified regarding Israel’s recent plans to enhance its control over the occupied West Bank, with the United Nations Secretary-General expressing grave apprehension about these developments.
On Sunday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz unveiled a series of measures approved by the security cabinet, which have sparked condemnation from Saudi Arabia and seven other Muslim-majority nations. These measures facilitate Jewish Israelis’ direct purchase of land in the West Bank and increase Israeli authority over regions where the Palestinian Authority traditionally maintains influence.
While the specifics of the implementation timeline remain unclear, the regulations do not require additional approvals to take effect. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his serious concern over these changes, cautioning that they threaten the two-state solution—a critical framework for resolving the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His spokesperson highlighted the destabilizing nature of Israel’s actions and referenced an International Court of Justice ruling deeming Israel’s occupation unlawful.
The West Bank is pivotal for any potential Palestinian state, yet many on Israel’s religious right perceive it as inherently Israeli territory. Smotrich articulated intentions to “deepen our roots in all regions of the Land of Israel” and effectively eliminate the notion of a Palestinian state, reflecting a significant shift in policy direction.
The response from Muslim-majority countries was swift and firm. The foreign ministers of key nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and others, condemned the measures as illegal attempts to solidify Israeli sovereignty and reinforce settlement activities. Their collective statement condemned these actions as methods for entrenching new legal realities in the West Bank, further asserting the urgency of upholding Palestinian rights against the backdrop of potential annexation.
A critical aspect of the newly announced measures involves the transfer of authority over construction permits for settlements in Hebron, marking a significant escalatory step in Israeli control over the West Bank. Additionally, the reforms bolster Israeli administrative oversight over sacred religious sites such as Rachel’s Tomb and the Cave of the Patriarchs.
The Palestinian leadership has characterized these developments as blatant efforts to annex the West Bank. The Palestinian presidency condemned the measures for their impact on Palestinian autonomy and land rights. Prominent Palestinian figures suggest that the ultimate goal is to fragment Palestinian land into confined enclaves, undermining the fabric of a viable state.
Israeli observers and analysts have echoed these sentiments. Yonatan Mizrachi from the Peace Now organization criticized the government’s actions as detrimental to the Palestinian Authority’s stability, which was originally conceived as a temporary governing body while negotiating statehood following the Oslo Accords. He emphasized that these latest measures indicate a deeper push for annexation—a trend that has reportedly been gaining momentum over the last three years.
The announcement arrives shortly before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s impending visit to the United States for discussions with President Donald Trump. Notably, the U.S. administration has maintained a stance opposing the annexation of the West Bank, leaving many to speculate on the potential international ramifications of Israel’s actions in light of ongoing diplomatic dialogues.
Over half a million Israelis reside in settlements and outposts within the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law, while around three million Palestinians inhabit the territory. An additional 200,000 Israelis are located in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem, further complicating the geopolitical landscape marked by deep-seated tensions and historical grievances.
