Israel’s government has approved a plan to regulate land ownership in the West Bank, a move Palestinians and international observers say could pave the way for expanded settlement construction and de facto annexation of the occupied territory. The decision, approved on Sunday, February 13, 2026, marks the first such effort since 1967, according to reports.
The plan, proposed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aims to finalize land ownership claims in the West Bank, a region where legal disputes over property rights have long stalled building projects and fueled tensions. According to Sky News Arabia, the process will focus on areas where no legal settlement of ownership has occurred since 1967.
Critics argue that “land settlement” effectively legalizes Israeli presence in the West Bank and removes obstacles to further settlement expansion. The move is seen as a way to solidify Israeli control over the territory and complicate any future negotiations for a two-state solution. The development underscores growing regional tensions and raises concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli cabinet also reportedly approved decisions to “deepen the annexation plan in the West Bank and remove the secrecy on land records,” according to Sky News Arabia. The Palestinian News Agency reported that these decisions will lead to significant changes in the management and registration of land in the occupied West Bank, potentially allowing for the demolition of Palestinian-owned buildings in Area “A.”
These decisions, driven by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, are intended to enable “major expansion of settlement,” with any reversal of the measures facing “legal complexities.”
Previously, Jordanian law from 1953 prohibited non-Palestinians or Arabs from owning land in the West Bank. However, recent Israeli decisions have overturned this status, as reported by Al Jazeera. Following the 1967 occupation, the Israeli military governor maintained the law but introduced an amendment allowing companies to own land, opening the door for settlement organizations.
The move has drawn condemnation from Palestinian officials, who view it as a step towards transforming the West Bank into “state lands,” according to ‘Ukaz. The Middle East reported similar concerns.
The political party “Religious Zionism” openly advocates for a single state between the river and the sea, without separation between the two peoples, as outlined in Al-Quds. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and further complicate the search for a lasting peace agreement.
