Israel Solidifies Control Over West Bank: A Deepening Crisis
The Israeli government has approved measures to expand its control over the occupied West Bank and ease restrictions on land purchases for settlers. These decisions, announced on February 16, 2026, represent a significant escalation in Israel’s policies in the region and raise concerns about the future of a two-state solution.
A History of Occupation and Settlement
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, along with the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. Approximately three million Palestinians and 700,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in the West Bank. International law considers Israeli settlements in the occupied territories illegal.
Expanding Control: Novel Measures and Their Impact
Recent months have seen Israel strengthening its control through settlement expansion, legalization of outposts, and policy changes. The latest proposals focus on registering large areas of the West Bank as “state land,” particularly in Zone C. This move aims to facilitate land acquisition by Israeli settlers.
According to the Israeli minister of Finance, these actions represent a “settlement revolution” and a further consolidation of Israeli control. The organization Peace Now has described the plans as a “mega-land grab,” warning that they could lead to the displacement of half of the Palestinian population in the West Bank.
Palestinian and International Condemnation
Palestinian officials have condemned the Israeli decisions as a form of “de facto annexation” and a violation of international law. Several countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, have also voiced their opposition to the plans.
The Registration of Land and its Consequences
The new policy requires Palestinians to provide documentation proving ownership of their land. If they are unable to do so, the land will be declared Israeli state property, potentially leading to the loss of homes, agricultural land, and freedom of movement. This process effectively alters the legal status of land in the West Bank, favoring Israeli claims.
Implications for the Two-State Solution
These actions are widely seen as undermining the prospects for a two-state solution, a framework for peace that envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. By expanding its control over the West Bank, Israel is making it increasingly difficult to establish a viable Palestinian state.
The Oslo Accords and Current Challenges
The Oslo II Accord of 1995 divided the West Bank into zones with varying degrees of Palestinian and Israeli control. The current measures directly challenge this framework, particularly in Zone C, which constitutes approximately 61% of the West Bank. Israel’s actions are shifting the balance of power and control in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the legal status of Israeli settlements in the West Bank?
- According to international law, Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal.
- What is Zone C of the West Bank?
- Zone C is an area of the West Bank that is under full Israeli control, both militarily and civically.
- What is the Oslo II Accord?
- The Oslo II Accord is an agreement from 1995 that divided the West Bank into zones with varying degrees of Palestinian and Israeli control.
- What is Peace Now?
- Peace Now is an Israeli organization that monitors and maps illegal settlements in the West Bank.
Explore further: For more information on the Oslo Accords, visit NOS Nieuws. To learn more about the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the occupation, notice the ICJ website.
What are your thoughts on the evolving situation in the West Bank? Share your perspective in the comments below.
