West Bank – Palestinian Presidency Denounces Israeli Land Policy Changes
West Bank – The Palestinian leadership has strongly criticized a recent decision by Israel’s security cabinet to revise land registration and property acquisition rules in parts of the West Bank, describing the move as a serious breach of international law and existing agreements.
According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, the Presidency said the new measures, which apply to Areas A and B of the West Bank, represent a significant escalation in the long-running dispute over land and sovereignty in the occupied territory.
Palestinian Authority Raises Legal and Security Concerns
In a formal statement issued on Sunday, the Presidency argued that redefining land in the West Bank as “state property” under Israeli jurisdiction threatens regional stability and undermines prior commitments. Officials said the decision effectively advances annexation in practice, even if not formally declared.
The statement further maintained that the changes contradict agreements already signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Particular reference was made to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which states that Israeli settlement activity in Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, lacks legal validity.
Palestinian officials urged the international community to intervene. They called on the United Nations Security Council and the United States to take steps aimed at ensuring compliance with international resolutions and reducing tensions on the ground.
International Response and Diplomatic Reactions
The controversy follows broader concerns raised earlier this month by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He expressed unease over decisions taken by Israel’s security cabinet that could alter the legal and administrative landscape in the West Bank.
While the United Nations has repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving the framework established by past agreements, the latest development has renewed debate over how land governance in the territory should be handled under international law.
Israeli Ministers Outline Policy Objectives
The Israeli government’s announcement came after Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich detailed the cabinet’s decisions. As reported by The Times of Israel, the ministers said the measures are designed to significantly reform land registration procedures in the West Bank.
In a joint statement, Katz and Smotrich argued that the changes would remove longstanding bureaucratic obstacles and overturn what they described as outdated Jordanian-era legislation. They said the new policy would facilitate development and enable more efficient settlement expansion.
One of the central elements of the approved plan is the publication of land registries in the West Bank. Previously, land ownership records in many parts of the territory were not publicly accessible. Under the new framework, property lists would be made available, allowing potential buyers to identify landowners and pursue transactions directly.
The cabinet also rescinded a legal restriction that had barred non-Muslims from purchasing certain properties in the area. Israeli officials characterized this step as part of broader reforms intended to standardize property laws.
Background: Division of the West Bank Under Oslo II
The legal and administrative structure of the West Bank is rooted in the Oslo II Accords, signed in 1995 between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Under the agreement, the territory was divided into three administrative zones.
Area A is under full Palestinian civil and security control. Area B falls under Palestinian civil administration with Israeli oversight on security matters. Area C remains under full Israeli civil and security authority. The recent policy changes specifically address Areas A and B, which have historically been subject to distinct governance arrangements compared to Area C.
The differing interpretations of authority and jurisdiction in these areas have long been a source of tension. The latest cabinet decision has now intensified scrutiny from Palestinian officials and international observers alike, as debates over land rights, sovereignty, and compliance with international resolutions continue.