‘A step in the wrong direction’: Israel’s West Bank plans prompt global backlash

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Julian Borger in JerusalemFebruary 10, 2026 at 05:00 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Israel's recent measures to extend control in the West Bank, aimed at bolstering Israeli settlements and preventing Palestinian statehood, have triggered widespread international condemnation. The new rules facilitate land ownership identification and property acquisition for non-Arabs in the territory. The EU has warned of potential sanctions, while a coalition of Arab and Islamic states, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan, denounced the measures as destabilizing and illegal. The UK also strongly condemned the actions, urging Israel to reverse them. Amidst the backlash, the White House reaffirmed its opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank, emphasizing the importance of stability for regional peace and Israeli security ahead of a planned meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Benjamin Netanyahu 50% Jordan 50% Saudi Arabia 50% Egypt 50% United Kingdom ×250% Donald Trump ×260% Bezalel Smotrich 60% European Union ×260% Palestine ×270% Israel Katz ×270% West Bank ×690% Israel ×790%

Keywords

west bank 100% israeli settlements 80% palestinian state 70% israeli control 70% annexation 60% regional stability 50% international law 50% peace plan 40%