Israel Reopens West Bank Land Registry in Historic Move, Drawing International Condemnation
The Israeli government on Sunday approved a controversial proposal to reopen land registration in large areas of the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967, a decision critics assert is a significant step toward de facto annexation and has drawn immediate condemnation from Palestinian authorities and the international community. The move, spearheaded by far-right ministers, is designed to streamline the process for registering vast swathes of land as "state property," primarily within Area C, which constitutes over 60% of the West Bank and is under full Israeli military and civilian control. This policy shift is poised to accelerate Israeli settlement expansion and deepen its administrative grip on the territory, further jeopardizing prospects for a two-state solution.
A New Chapter in West Bank Land Policy
The directive, initiated by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, marks a pivotal change in the legal and administrative landscape of the West Bank. Historically, land registration in the West Bank had been frozen following the 1967 Six-Day War. The newly approved policy empowers the Justice Ministry's Authority for Registration and Settlement of Land Rights with a dedicated budget and personnel to systematically register land, particularly in Area C, where a significant portion—approximately two-thirds—of land ownership has never been formally documented.
Proponents of the policy, including Minister Smotrich, have openly framed it as a continuation of the "settlement revolution" aimed at asserting control over all lands. Defense Minister Katz described the measure as an "essential security and governance" tool to ensure Israel's full freedom of action in the area, while Justice Minister Levin hailed it as a "real revolution in Judea and Samaria," reinforcing the belief that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people. The government's stated aim is to enable a "transparent and in-depth clarification of rights" to resolve legal disputes and facilitate infrastructure development. However, the practical implication is that any unregistered land not demonstrably privately owned can now be declared state property, making it available for Israeli development. Reports suggest an initial goal of gradually settling 15% of Area C by 2030.
The Context of Oslo Accords and Area C
Understanding the significance of this policy requires a look at the historical division of the West Bank. The 1995 Oslo II Accord temporarily segmented the territory into three administrative zones: Areas A, B, and C. Area C, which is the focus of this new land registration, encompasses over 60% of the West Bank and falls entirely under Israeli civilian and military control. In contrast, Area A is under full Palestinian Authority (PA) administrative and security control, and Area B is under Palestinian civil control with shared Israeli security control.
For decades, Palestinian residents in Area C have faced immense challenges in obtaining building permits, leading to widespread demolitions of structures deemed illegal by Israeli authorities. Meanwhile, Israeli settlements within Area C have expanded continuously since 1967, a process that has seen significant acceleration under recent governments. This new land policy is viewed by many as a formalization of Israel's long-standing practice of utilizing various legal and administrative mechanisms, including declaring land as "state land," to expand its presence and control in the territory. The decision follows a series of recent measures approved by Israel's Security Cabinet aimed at expanding settlement construction and increasing control, which have included repealing a Jordanian-era law that restricted land sales to Israelis and expanding Israeli enforcement powers into Areas A and B on matters like unlicensed construction and archaeological sites.
Widespread Condemnation and Fears of De Facto Annexation
The Israeli government's decision has been met with immediate and strong condemnation from Palestinian leadership, who view it as a direct challenge to international law and established agreements. The Palestinian Authority described the move as a "grave escalation" and a "blatant violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions," tantamount to "de facto annexation" of occupied Palestinian land. President Mahmoud Abbas characterized it as a "dangerous escalation". Hamas similarly denounced the decision as an attempt to "steal" West Bank lands and impose settlement realities, asserting its invalidity from an occupying authority.
Internationally, the policy has also triggered a wave of criticism. The European Union issued a statement calling the measures "counterproductive and incompatible with international law," warning that they risk undermining efforts to stabilize the region and advance peaceful resolutions. The EU reiterated its long-standing position of not recognizing Israeli sovereignty over territories occupied since June 1967. The United Kingdom strongly condemned the decision, stating that any unilateral attempt to alter the geographic or demographic makeup of Palestine is "unacceptable" and "inconsistent with international law," urging Israel to reverse its decisions. Even the United States, through a White House official, reportedly reiterated President Donald Trump's opposition to Israeli annexation, emphasizing the importance of a stable West Bank for regional security. The UN Secretary-General also expressed grave concern, calling on Israel to reverse these measures. Several Arab and Muslim nations, including Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have denounced the policy as illegal annexation and a violation of international law.
Implications for Peace and Stability
This new land registration policy carries profound implications for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional stability. Critics, such as the Israeli anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now, have labeled it a "massive land grab" that paves the way for de facto annexation and directly contradicts the will of the people and Israeli interests. Peace Now officials warn that the process of proving ownership can be "draconian" for Palestinians, potentially leading to hundreds of thousands of dunams of land being declared state land and made available for settlement expansion.
The move is seen as further solidifying Israel's hold over the West Bank while simultaneously weakening the Palestinian Authority. Observers suggest it severely diminishes the viability of a future independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution, a framework widely supported by the international community. The International Court of Justice, in an advisory opinion in July 2024, declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of settlements, highlighting the international legal context surrounding these actions. As Israel continues to intensify operations in the West Bank, including increased settler violence and demolitions of Palestinian structures, the new land policy is expected to escalate tensions and deepen a "climate of revenge" across the territory. The international community faces renewed calls to take a firm stance against such unilateral measures that critics argue are undermining prospects for a negotiated peace and leading towards an irreversible reality on the ground.
