The ongoing situation in the West Bank is poised for a significant shift as Israel announces plans to implement a controversial land regulation process. This initiative could result in increased Israeli control over substantial areas for future development, drawing both national and international scrutiny.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel will begin a contentious land regulation process in a large part of the occupied West Bank, which could result in Israel gaining control over wide swaths of the area for future development, according to a government decision on Sunday.
It paves the way for the resumption of “settlement of land title” processes, which had been frozen in the West Bank since the Mideast War in 1967. It means that when Israel begins the land registration process for a certain area, anyone with a claim to the land must submit documents proving ownership.
The Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now said the process likely amounts to a “mega land grab” from Palestinians.
“This move is very dramatic and allows the state to gain control of almost all of Area C,” said Hagit Ofran, the director of Peace Now’s Settlement Watch program. Area C refers to the 60% of the West Bank that is under full Israeli military control, according to agreements reached in the 1990s with the Palestinians.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ office in a statement called the decision “a grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law,” which amounts to “de facto annexation.” It called on the international community, especially the U.N. Security Council and the United States, to intervene immediately.
Israeli steps in recent months
The decision is the latest step to deepen Israeli control over the West Bank. In recent months, Israel has greatly expanded construction in Jewish settlements, legalized outposts, and made significant bureaucratic changes to its policies in the territory to strengthen its hold and weaken the Palestinian Authority.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that Palestinian Authority civil planning maps show that the authority has been advancing land registration procedures in Area C for years, in violation of agreements that grant Israel civil and military control over the area. The ministry emphasized that the decision made on Sunday was aimed at enhancing transparency.
The decision was first announced last May but required further development before it was approved in this week’s Cabinet meeting. Under the decision, Israeli authorities will announce certain areas for registration, necessitating that anyone claiming ownership must prove their right to the land.
Ofran remarked that the process for proving ownership can be “draconian” and lacks transparency, implying that any land registered in areas currently owned by Palestinians is likely to revert to Israeli state control. She noted, “Palestinians will be sent to prove ownership in a way that they will never be able to do. And this way Israel might take over 83% of Area C, which is about half of the West Bank.”
The registration process could begin as early as this year, she added. This proposal had been backed by some of Israel’s far-right members of the ruling coalition, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who asserted, “The government of Israel is committed to strengthening its grip on all its parts, and this decision is an expression of that commitment.”
A ‘dangerous escalation’
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry has called on the international community to “assume its legal and moral responsibilities and to compel Israel, the occupying power, to stop its dangerous escalation.”
Qatar’s foreign ministry described Israel’s decision as “an extension of its illegal plans to deprive the Palestinian people of their rights.”
Previous U.S. administrations have significantly condemned expansions of Israeli control in the West Bank, yet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a particularly close relationship with President Donald Trump, with recent meetings occurring in Washington. However, it is noted that Trump has opposed annexation.
Currently, Palestinians cannot sell land privately to Israelis, though recent measures aim to change this. At present, settlers can purchase homes on land controlled by Israel’s government. Last week’s decision also sought to enhance Israeli oversight in various areas of the West Bank, including environmental and archaeological issues affecting Palestinian-administered regions.
More than 700,000 Israelis reside in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967 from Jordan and sought by the Palestinians for a future state. The international community largely views Israeli settlement construction in these areas as illegal and a hindrance to peace.
Over 300,000 Palestinians are estimated to live in Area C of the West Bank, with many others in surrounding communities reliant on its agricultural and grazing land, including plots for which families possess land deeds or tax records dating back decades.
Key Takeaways
- Israel’s decision marks the resumption of land registration processes in the West Bank.
- The process has been critiqued as a potential “mega land grab” by anti-settlement groups.
- Area C constitutes about 60% of the West Bank and is under full Israeli military control.
- Palestinian Authority has called the decision a violation of international law.
- Registration may begin as soon as this year, potentially affecting Palestinian land ownership claims.
- The international community remains divided on Israel’s settlement policies.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the land regulation process announced by Israel?
The process aims to formalize land registration in the West Bank, requiring claimants to provide proof of ownership.
What does Area C refer to?
Area C constitutes 60% of the West Bank and is under full Israeli military control according to agreements made in the 1990s.
How has the international community responded to Israel’s actions?
Many countries and organizations view Israel’s settlement expansion as illegal and detrimental to peace in the region.
The ongoing developments in the West Bank underscore the complexity of the situation and the critical importance of continued dialogue and careful consideration of all perspectives involved.
