Israel’s cabinet on Sunday approved measures aimed at expanding state oversight of land in the West Bank and facilitating land purchases by settlers, a move Palestinian officials described as a 'de-facto annexation.'
Ministers voted to begin a process of land registration in the West Bank for the first time since Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Middle East war.
The decision comes a week after the cabinet approved additional measures in the West Bank that drew international criticism.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose governing coalition includes strong support from the settler movement, has long opposed the creation of a Palestinian state, describing it as a security threat.
“We are continuing the revolution of settlement and strengthening our hold across all parts of our land,” far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said following the cabinet vote.
Defence Minister Israel Katz described the land registration process as a necessary security measure. In a statement, the cabinet said the decision was an “appropriate response to illegal land registration processes promoted by the Palestinian Authority.”
Israel’s foreign ministry said the move would increase transparency and help resolve land disputes.
Palestinian and international reaction
The Palestinian presidency condemned the decision, calling it “a de-facto annexation of occupied Palestinian territory and a declaration of the commencement of annexation plans aimed at entrenching the occupation through illegal settlement activity.”
Settlement watchdog group Peace Now warned that the measure could lead to the dispossession of Palestinians from up to half of the West Bank.
The West Bank is one of the territories Palestinians seek for a future independent state. While much of the area remains under Israeli military control, limited self-rule is exercised in some parts by Palestinian Authority.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out Israeli annexation of the West Bank, although his administration has not moved to curb Israel’s expanded settlement activity.
In 2024, the United Nations’ highest court issued a non-binding advisory opinion that affirmed that the Fourth Geneva Convention applies, rendering Israeli settlement expansion and annexation illegal.
Israel disputes that conclusion.
The UN considers the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, "occupied territory" because it was captured and brought under Israeli military control during the Six-Day War in 1967.
The results of the Armenian parliamentary elections pose no specific obstacles to the signing of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a foundi...
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported...
Corsica has moved a step closer to getting powers to make some laws locally after a French parliamentary committee approved a draft bill which would g...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8 June, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in p...
The results of the Armenian parliamentary elections pose no specific obstacles to the signing of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a founding member of the victorious Civil Contract party has said.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Corsica has moved a step closer to getting powers to make some laws locally after a French parliamentary committee approved a draft bill which would give the Mediterranean island more autonomy.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Uzbekistan and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, energy and food security following high-level meetings held during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the U.S. would bear direct responsibility for any escalation in West Asia after Iran and Israel resumed strikes for the first time since the April ceasefire.
Four Palestinians, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Monday (8 June), according to local health officials, as mediators continued efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Kazakhstan will require major businesses to introduce five-year water-saving plans as authorities warn that worsening shortages could threaten not only the environment but also the country's economy.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment