International Outcry as Israel Advances West Bank Policies
A wave of international condemnation is building against Israel following the approval of new policies perceived as strengthening its occupation of the West Bank and paving the way for expanded Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The developments have sparked outrage among several Muslim-majority nations, including Indonesia.
Eight Nations Unite in Condemnation
On Monday, February 9, 2026, eight Muslim-majority countries – Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey – issued a joint statement vehemently condemning Israel’s actions. The foreign ministers of these nations “condemn in the strongest terms the illegal Israeli decisions and measures aimed at imposing Israeli sovereignty unlawfully.”
Systematic Effort to Alter the Status Quo
The statement, released by the Saudi government, asserts that Israel’s policies represent a systematic attempt to alter the legal and administrative realities in the West Bank. These measures are seen as accelerating illegal annexation efforts and the displacement of Palestinian people.
New Policies: Land Purchases and Building Permits
The criticism follows Israel’s approval of new policies announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday. A key component of these policies allows Israeli citizens to purchase land in the West Bank. The new rules include plans to transfer authority for building permit approvals in certain areas of Palestinian cities, including Hebron, from Palestinian Authority (PA) municipalities to the Israeli government.
Political Intent Behind the Changes
Smotrich has openly stated that the primary aim of these policies is not merely administrative, but political. He declared the steps are intended to “deepen our roots in all areas of the Land of Israel and bury the idea of a Palestinian state.” This statement reinforces concerns that Israel is pursuing a de facto annexation of the West Bank, effectively dismantling prospects for a two-state solution.
Palestinian Response and International Concerns
The Palestinian Presidential Office in Ramallah, which has limited control over parts of the West Bank, similarly strongly condemned the decisions, labeling them as an intensification of efforts to annex the occupied West Bank. The moves are also drawing scrutiny as they precede a scheduled visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump.
Existing Settlement Landscape
Currently, over 500,000 Israeli citizens reside in settlements and outposts within the West Bank, widely considered illegal under international law. Approximately 3 million Palestinians live in the same territory under varying degrees of Israeli military and administrative control. An additional 200,000 Israelis live in East Jerusalem, which Israel has annexed, a move not recognized by the United Nations.
Did you know?
The international community largely considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank a violation of international law, hindering the peace process and posing obstacles to a viable two-state solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the two-state solution? The two-state solution is a proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two independent states: one for Israelis and one for Palestinians.
- Why are Israeli settlements considered illegal? According to international law, establishing settlements on occupied territory is a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
- What is the current status of the West Bank? The West Bank is a Palestinian territory currently under Israeli military occupation.
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