With the transfer of administrative powers, for the first time since 1967, Israel will register extensive portions of the West Bank as “state land.”

“From the Nile to the Euphrates” is God’s Promise in Genesis (15:18). The map shows biblical Israel at what was its greatest extent under the Prophets King David and Solomon. Map: gov.il

Jerusalem – Following a meeting of Israel’s Security Cabinet, the government announced that it had approved a package of reforms in the West Bank that goes far beyond previous administrative practices. According to official Israeli statements, the measures are intended to create “legal clarity and order” in the territory, facilitate infrastructure projects, and establish a coherent administrative structure. The proposal was submitted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Defense Minister Israel Katz

Key Decisions in Detail

Among the most important measures approved today are:

Expanded land registration: Israel will systematically re-register extensive parts of the West Bank as “state land.” This marks the first time in decades that land registration on such a scale has been undertaken. Critics see this as an attempt to complicate and ultimately undermine Palestinian land ownership.

Eased land acquisition: Mandatory approvals and legal hurdles for land transactions are being lifted. This is intended to make it easier for Israeli citizens to acquire land in the West Bank.

Opening of land registries: The government plans to make land registries and cadastral records broadly accessible, potentially further facilitating the acquisition and use of land by Israelis.

Transfer of administrative powers: Certain competencies previously exercised by local Palestinian authorities —particularly in parts of Hebron— will in future be carried out by Israeli authorities.

Expanded enforcement powers: Israeli administrative and security bodies will receive additional authority to intervene even in areas that were formally under Palestinian control.

International and Regional Reactions

The decision has met with widespread international criticism. The Secretary-General of the United Nations expressed being “deeply concerned” about the impact of the measures on the Peace process and the prospects for a two-state solution. Representatives of the European Union and several Arab states also condemned the decisions as a violation of international law and a unilateral step that further undermines the prospects for a political solution.

The Palestinian Authority announced it would firmly reject these steps and intensify international pressure on Israel.

The United States government, which has repeatedly opposed formal annexations in the past, also voiced concern about today’s developments, without announcing concrete measures.

“And if Allah afflicts you with evil, there is no one who can expel it except He, and if He intends good for you, there is no one who can withhold His Mercy. He sends down from above upon whom He wills from among His Servants —and He is the Forgiving, the Compassionate.”

The Holy Quran, Surah Yunus/JonaS 10:107

Domestic Political Assessment in Israel

Representatives of the Israeli government described the decisions as a necessary step toward modernizing administrative structures in the West Bank. The prime minister and responsible cabinet members emphasized that the measures are intended solely to enhance legal certainty and improve living conditions.

Some Israeli political parties advocating broader territorial claims welcomed today’s decisions as “historically significant.”

The New Map

Dissolution of the Oslo zones: The strict division into Areas A, B, and C no longer exists in practice. Since 8 February, Israel has claimed the right to enforce building regulations and demolish structures even in Areas A and B —formally under full Palestinian control— particularly where, according to Israeli interpretation, “heritage sites” are endangered.

The West Bank “real estate market”: A key new law now allows Israeli citizens to purchase land in the West Bank privately and directly. Previously, this was legally highly complex and often tied to corporate entities. In addition, the land registry has been made publicly accessible, accelerating targeted acquisitions and expropriations.

Settlement nodes: Through the approval of 19 new settlements (in december 2025/january 2026 alone) and the massive development of the E1 corridor between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, the West Bank has now been geographically split into a northern and a southern part. A contiguous Palestinian territorial entity is barely representable on the map.

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By Okay Altinisik | 15-2-2026, 18:00:20