Israel moves to tighten grip on West Bank – media

US President Donald Trump earlier stressed he would not allow Israel to annex the territory

Israel has moved to tighten its control over the West Bank, approving a policy overhaul that has drawn condemnation from the Palestinian Authority (PA), Arab and Muslim countries, and the EU.

Much of the West Bank is under Israeli military control, while limited Palestinian self-rule exists in certain areas administered by the PA. The territory is divided into Areas A, B, and C, with Israel controlling security and civil matters in most of Area C, where the majority of settlements are located.

Israeli Cabinet-approved reforms on Sunday would make it easier for settlers in the West Bank to buy land while granting Israeli authorities more enforcement powers over Palestinians. Citing statements by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, The Times of Israel said the measures included scrapping decades-old regulations that prevent Jewish private citizens from buying land in the West Bank.

They were also reported to include provisions that would enable Israeli authorities to oversee certain religious sites and to enhance supervision and enforcement in areas governed by the Palestinian Authority, specifically concerning environmental hazards, water violations, and damage to archaeological sites.

The reforms come despite US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which gives day-to-day governance in Gaza to a 15-member Palestinian technocrat team under a ‘Board of Peace.’ The body was unveiled last month as part of a US-brokered ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Trump has stressed he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank.

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The PA condemned Israel’s “illegitimate and illegal” decisions, 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 states to sever ties with Israel.

The move also drew condemnation from the EU and the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In a statement, the ministers warned against the Israeli “continued expansionist” policies and called on the international community to act.

The Israeli actions follow previous approvals for settlement construction, including measures announced in December. More than 700,000 Israelis reportedly now live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel from Jordan in 1967 and sought by Palestinians for a future state. Critics warn the continued settlement expansion could permanently undermine prospects for a two-state solution.