Israel Approves Policy Overhaul to Boost Control Over West Bank
Much of the West Bank remains under Israeli military control, while the PA manages limited self-rule in designated areas. The territory is divided into Areas A, B, and C, with Israel holding authority over security and civil matters in most of Area C, where the majority of settlements are located.
The reforms, approved by the Israeli Cabinet on Sunday, are aimed at making it easier for settlers to purchase land and granting Israeli authorities increased powers over Palestinians. According to statements by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the changes include eliminating decades-old rules that restrict Jewish private citizens from buying West Bank land.
The reforms reportedly also allow Israeli authorities to oversee certain religious sites and expand supervision in Palestinian-governed areas, particularly regarding environmental hazards, water violations, and damage to archaeological locations.
The announcement comes despite US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which established a 15-member Palestinian technocrat team to manage day-to-day governance in Gaza under a ‘Board of Peace.’ Trump emphasized that he would not permit Israel to annex the West Bank.
The PA denounced Israel’s moves as “illegitimate and illegal,” calling on the UN and the US to intervene. Palestinian militant group Hamas urged an “escalation” of the conflict “by all available means” while appealing to Arab and Muslim nations to cut ties with Israel.
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