Israel Deepens Control Over West Bank: A Step Towards De Facto Annexation?
Recent decisions by the Israeli government, spearheaded by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, are raising concerns about a potential de facto annexation of the West Bank. Recent measures are designed to ease restrictions on Israeli settlers acquiring Palestinian land, prompting widespread criticism from Palestinians, Arab nations, and international observers.
Easing Land Acquisition for Israeli Settlers
The Israeli government has effectively removed a decades-long ban on the direct sale of land in the West Bank to Jewish individuals. Previously, settlers could only purchase land through companies registered with the Israeli government. This change, coupled with the release of local land registry records, is expected to significantly increase the ease with which Israeli settlers can take control of Palestinian land. Officials frame this as increasing “transparency” and correcting a “racist distortion” that discriminated against Jewish buyers.
Expanding Settlement Authority and Oversight
Beyond land sales, the Israeli government is transferring authority over building permits and environmental oversight in areas surrounding the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron – a site holy to both Jews and Muslims – exclusively to Israeli authorities. A committee is being reactivated to proactively purchase land in the West Bank for future settlement expansion. These moves consolidate Israeli control over key areas and resources.
International Condemnation and Palestinian Fears
The international community has largely condemned the new measures. The United Kingdom has “strongly” urged Israel to reverse the decision, stating that unilateral changes to the demographic or geographic composition of Palestinian territories are unacceptable under international law. Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar jointly warned that the announcements were accelerating attempts at illegal annexation and displacement of Palestinians.
Palestinians fear these measures will increase pressure on West Bank residents to sell their land, and that fraudulent transactions will become more common. The Palestinian Authority considers selling land to Israelis a form of treason, punishable by death, though sentences are typically commuted to imprisonment.
The Role of Bezalel Smotrich and the Settler Movement
These policies are largely driven by Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right politician and second-generation West Bank settler. As Finance Minister and a minister within the Defense Ministry, Smotrich has been a vocal advocate for expanding settlements and ultimately annexing the West Bank, believing he is biblically entitled to the land. He has openly stated his intention to “bury” the idea of a Palestinian state.
Historical Context: Oslo Accords and Current Control
The current situation stems from the 1993 Oslo Accords, which divided the West Bank into three zones. Zone A is under full Palestinian control, Zone B has Palestinian administrative and Israeli security control, and Zone C – comprising 60% of the West Bank and containing all Israeli settlements – is under full Israeli control. Over 700,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East War.
U.S. Response and Netanyahu’s Political Landscape
The Biden administration has reiterated its opposition to annexation, stating that a stable West Bank is crucial for Israel’s security and regional peace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a new electoral challenge, leads a coalition government that includes many pro-settler members who favor annexation. He has previously stated he will not allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is de facto annexation?
A: De facto annexation refers to the act of applying a country’s laws, administrative systems, and control over a territory without formally declaring its annexation under international law.
Q: Are Israeli settlements legal?
A: No, all Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.
Q: What is the E1 settlement project?
A: The E1 project is a controversial plan to build a large settlement east of Jerusalem that would effectively sever the main Palestinian transportation routes connecting the northern and southern West Bank.
Q: What was the outcome of the International Court of Justice’s 2024 ruling?
A: The ICJ issued a non-binding advisory opinion stating that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and should end.
Explore further reading on Al Jazeera’s coverage of Bezalel Smotrich’s policies and the Christian Science Monitor’s profile of Smotrich.
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