Israel Expands Control Over the Occupied West Bank

Israel's security cabinet has adopted measures that give the government greater control over the occupied West Bank and make it easier for Jewish settlers to buy land, actions critics say violate the Oslo Accords and international law. The steps, approved at a closed‑door meeting, undercut the Palestinian Authority's authority in parts of the territory and are seen as advancing annexation by degrees.

They also run counter to President Trump’s recent rejection of formal annexation and his stated support for Palestinian statehood and political talks. The decisions repeal a pre‑1967 ban on selling West Bank property to non‑local buyers, eliminate a "transaction permit" previously required to complete sales, and open the West Bank land registry for public review — changes that could ease purchases by settlement groups and expose Palestinians who sell land to prosecution or violence.

Israel, West Bank

israel, west bank, jewish settlers, oslo accords, palestinian authority, annexation, land registry, transaction permit, land sales, international law