Israel's New West Bank Measures Spark Global Outcry
Published 9 February 2026
Highlights
- Israel's security cabinet approved measures increasing control over the West Bank, sparking international condemnation.
- The new rules allow Jewish settlers to buy land directly, which critics say amounts to de facto annexation.
- The UN and several countries, including the UK, have condemned the measures as illegal under international law.
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for US and UN intervention, labeling the actions as dangerous.
- The changes come ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Trump.
Israel's recent decision to expand its control over the West Bank has drawn widespread international condemnation, with critics arguing that the measures amount to de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory. The Israeli security cabinet's approval of these controversial steps has intensified tensions in the region and raised concerns about the future of the Middle East peace process.
Controversial Measures and International Reactions
The measures, announced by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, include allowing Jewish settlers to purchase land directly in the West Bank, a move that has been criticized as undermining Palestinian land rights. The changes also involve repealing a decades-old prohibition on direct land sales to Jews and declassifying local land registry records. These steps are seen as facilitating settlement expansion and increasing Israeli control over property law, planning, and enforcement in the region.
The United Nations, along with countries such as the UK, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have condemned the measures, citing violations of international law. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern, warning that the changes erode prospects for a two-state solution. The UK government called on Israel to reverse its decision, emphasizing that unilateral actions altering the geographic or demographic makeup of Palestine are unacceptable.
Palestinian Response and Calls for Intervention
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has labeled the measures as dangerous, accusing Israel of attempting to legalize settlement expansion and land confiscation. Abbas has urged the United States and the UN Security Council to intervene immediately to prevent further escalation. The Israeli NGO Peace Now echoed these concerns, warning that the cabinet's decision risks destabilizing the Palestinian Authority and amounts to massive land theft.
Implications for the Peace Process
The timing of these measures is significant, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington. A White House official reiterated the administration's opposition to annexation, emphasizing the importance of a stable West Bank for regional peace. However, the Israeli government's actions have cast doubt on the viability of a negotiated settlement and the future of the two-state solution.
What this might mean
The recent developments in the West Bank could have far-reaching implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If the measures are implemented, they may lead to increased tensions and violence in the region, further complicating efforts to achieve peace. The international community's response, particularly from the US and the UN, will be crucial in determining the next steps. Experts warn that without significant diplomatic intervention, the prospects for a two-state solution may diminish, potentially leading to prolonged instability in the Middle East.
