Israel Tightens Grip on West Bank with New Land Policies
Israel's cabinet approved measures to increase control over the West Bank and simplify land acquisition for settlers, viewed by Palestinians as 'de-facto annexation'. The move, coming amid Prime Minister Netanyahu's election campaign, faces international criticism and highlights escalating political tension over the territory's future.
In a controversial move on Sunday, Israel's cabinet approved new measures that tighten Israeli control over the occupied West Bank, facilitating easier land purchases for settlers. This move has been criticized by Palestinians as a 'de-facto annexation' of the territory, integral to their aspirations for an independent state.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing an election later this year, dismisses the establishment of a Palestinian state as a security risk. His coalition, with strong support among settlers, includes many who advocate for the annexation of the West Bank, land captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war, citing biblical and historical claims.
Despite international condemnation, Israeli ministers have initiated land registration for the first time since 1967. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich affirmed the measure as part of a broader settlement strategy, while the Palestinian presidency condemns it as a step towards annexation, escalating regional tensions.
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