Overview
- Israel’s security cabinet approved rules to extend Israeli control into parts of the occupied West Bank, including areas administered by the Palestinian Authority.
- The measures repeal Jordan‑era restrictions on Jewish land purchases and allow Israeli administration of certain religious sites, including the Ibrahimi Mosque/Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron and Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem.
- Settler construction in Hebron will be expedited by removing the requirement for approval from the Palestinian municipality, leaving decisions to Israeli authorities.
- The United Nations and European Union condemned the steps, and eight Muslim‑majority countries issued a joint denunciation warning they advance annexation; the Palestinian presidency objected while settler groups welcomed the changes.
- The United States said President Trump does not support annexation and emphasized stability ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Washington visit, while Israel has not released the full legal text or an implementation date and says no further approvals are required.