Israel Approves Measures to Expand West Bank Control and Enable Settler Land Purchases

Overview

• Israel's security cabinet revoked a Jordanian-era rule that barred non‑Muslims from buying property in the West Bank, allowing private Jewish purchasers.
• Authorities ordered the publication of West Bank land registries so prospective buyers can identify owners and pursue sales.
• Officials said Israeli oversight will extend into Areas A and B on water, environmental and archaeological violations, with new construction in Hebron's Jewish settlement to be approved solely by Israeli authorities.
• Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the package seeks to bury the idea of a Palestinian state.
• The Palestinian Authority condemned the measures as illegal and requested U.S. and UN action, while Arab states, the EU, the UK and the UN denounced the steps as de facto annexation ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington.