Israel has approved a proposal to register large areas in the West Bank as state property for the first time since occupation began in 1967 following the Six-Day War.
The new decision builds on a move by the Israeli security cabinet last weekend, when it made it easier for Jewish settlers to buy land in the West Bank.
The move has drawn condemnation from Arab nations and other critics who say it will accelerate annexation of the Palestinian territory.
Arab nations Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan say the move is illegal under international law. The European Union and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Israel to reverse the policy.
RT reports: The proposal was tabled by hardline nationalist officials, Deputy PM and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The sponsors hailed its adoption as a major breakthrough and a “true revolution” to accelerate the settlement process.
The renewal of the land regulation in Judea and Samaria is a vital security and governance move aimed at ensuring Israel’s control, enforcement, and full operational freedom in the area, Katz said in a statement, referring to the West Bank by its Israeli toponyms.
Yom Kippur War was the First Military Victory for Arabs over Zionist enemy
The move is aimed at “restoring order and governance” in the West Bank, Smotrich added, hailing the decision as one of the most significant steps to tighten Israel’s control over the region taken since the Six-Day War.
The State of Israel is taking responsibility for its land and is acting according to the law, transparently and decisively, the minister asserted.
Last weekend’s decision by the Israeli cabinet garnered widespread international condemnation, with multiple countries urging West Jerusalem to repeal it immediately.
The latest move is bound to meet a similar reaction, given that it is illegal for an occupying power to confiscate or settle land in the territories it holds under its control.
The Israeli government has long been pushing to annex the West Bank despite international condemnation and opposition of its main ally, President Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken against the move, insisting that the annexation is not going to happen.
The Palestinian Presidency has strongly condemned the latest Israeli decision, calling it a serious escalation. The Israeli move effectively voids multiple signed agreements and openly contradicts UN Security Council resolutions, the presidency said.
News Punch / ABC Flash Point News 2026.
Well the UN and the cowardly west accepted the war crimes involved in the destruction of Gaza and it’s citizens, so why not go for broke now on the West Bank?,Greater Israel is the plan and is well on the way
Just wait until you are exposed by the Epstein files. This clown has no idea what is coming for dinner.
There IS an Undeniable FACT, and that IS Always TRUE; and that IS that “You can NEVER Get 100 % of People to Agree on Anything (“You CAN Fool ALL the People Some of the time, and Some of the People ALL the time, but you CANNOT Fool ALL the People ALL the time”)