Palestinians say new Israeli measures in West Bank amount to de facto annexation

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete February 9, 2026 at 05:01 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

New measures approved by Israel's security cabinet regarding the West Bank are being widely condemned as de facto annexation by Palestinians, Arab countries, and Israeli anti-occupation groups. Announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the steps aim to increase Israeli control over the territory by altering property law, planning, and enforcement, effectively easing the process for Jewish settlers to acquire Palestinian land. The changes include cancelling the prohibition on direct land sales to Jews and declassifying land registry records. Critics, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the NGO Peace Now, fear increased land confiscation, settlement expansion, and the undermining of the Palestinian Authority. The announcement comes ahead of a meeting between the Israeli Prime Minister and the US President.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Peace Now 40% Donald Trump 50% United States 50% United Nations (UN) ×260% Benjamin Netanyahu 60% Mahmoud Abbas 60% Bezalel Smotrich 70% Palestinian Authority (PA) ×270% Palestinians ×380% Israel ×790% West Bank ×8100%

Keywords

west bank 90% de facto annexation 90% israeli settlements 80% palestinian land 80% land confiscation 70% settlement expansion 60% property law 60% land registry 50% palestinian authority 50% international law 40%