Israel Deepens Control Over West Bank Land and Holy Sites: A Shift with Far-Reaching Implications
In a move condemned by Palestinians and drawing international scrutiny, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a series of measures Sunday aimed at fundamentally altering land registration and property ownership procedures in the West Bank. The decisions are widely seen as facilitating further Jewish settlement expansion in the region.
Removing Decades-Traditional Barriers to Settlement
According to a joint statement released by the ministers, the novel regulations are designed to “remove obstacles that have existed for decades, cancel discriminatory Jordanian legislation, and accelerate the pace of settlement development on the ground.” Specifically, the plan involves publishing land registries in the West Bank, making property listings publicly available and enabling potential buyers to identify and contact landowners. Previously, land records in the West Bank were confidential.
A key change eliminates a legal provision that prohibited non-Muslims from purchasing property in the area, a law dating back to Jordanian rule. Prior to this decision, Jewish individuals could only acquire land through companies registered in the region, not directly.
The requirement for a license from the land registration office has also been removed, replaced with “professional conditions only,” streamlining the property market, the statement claims.
Expanding Control Over Sensitive Religious Sites
Beyond land registration, the plan extends Israeli control over the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, transferring authority for issuing building permits from the Palestinian Authority-controlled Hebron municipality to Israel. This includes the highly sensitive site itself.
Currently, any changes to construction within the Jewish community in Hebron require approval from both the municipality and the Israeli Civil Administration. The new regulations will require only the approval of the Israeli security establishment.
The decisions also address the Tomb of Rachel in Bethlehem, establishing a “dedicated municipal authority” responsible for the site’s cleaning and routine maintenance.
Palestinian and International Reactions
The Palestinian Authority swiftly condemned the measures, labeling them illegal and invalid, and calling for intervention from the United States and the United Nations. Hamas called for an “intifada” (uprising) throughout the West Bank and Jerusalem and urged Arab and Islamic nations to sever ties with Israel.
Settler Council Praises “Practical Annexation”
The Yesha Council, representing settlement municipalities in the West Bank, lauded the decisions as among “the most important decisions made by the State of Israel since its return to Judea and Samaria 58 years ago.” The council stated that Israel had “practically declared that the land of Israel is returning to the people of Israel,” asserting the measures solidify Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
Concerns from Peace Organizations
Peace Now, an organization advocating for a two-state solution, criticized the moves, stating that the government was effectively imposing a “de facto annexation” and acting in opposition to the interests of Israel and the stated position of the U.S. Government.
The environmental NGO Emek Shaveh also condemned the decisions, arguing they signaled a lack of genuine concern for protecting archaeological sites in the West Bank.
Understanding the Regional Divisions
The West Bank is divided into three areas according to the 1995 Oslo II Accords between Israel and the Palestinian Authority: Area A, Area B, and Area C. Area C is under full Israeli control, Area B is under Palestinian civil control with Israeli security control, and Area A is under full Palestinian control. The new regulations are expected to have the most significant impact on Area C.
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of publishing land registries?
A: Making land records public allows potential buyers to identify landowners and negotiate purchases, potentially accelerating the expansion of settlements.
Q: What is the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs?
A: It is a site revered by both Muslims and Jews, believed to contain the tombs of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Q: What is the Oslo II Accord?
A: It is an agreement signed in 1995 that divided the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C, defining the levels of control held by Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Q: What is the position of the Palestinian Authority?
A: The Palestinian Authority has condemned the decisions as illegal and invalid and is seeking intervention from the international community.
Did you know? The term “Judea and Samaria” is used by some Israelis to refer to the West Bank, reflecting historical and biblical connections to the land.
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