Israel Approves Proposal for Registration of West Bank Lands as State Property

Israeli Government Approves Proposal to Register Large Areas of Occupied West Bank as “State Property”

The Israeli government has approved a proposal to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property,” according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN. The proposal was submitted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defence Minister Israel Katz.

According to Smotrich, the move is part of an effort to “control all our lands.” Registration of land establishes permanent ownership, which is a key aspect of international law governing occupied territories. However, the Palestinian Presidency has condemned the decision, stating that it effectively nullifies signed agreements and contradicts UN Security Council resolutions.

The Israeli government has also approved measures last week that further facilitate the seizure of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. Hamas has condemned the decision, calling it an attempt to “steal and Judaise lands” in the area.

Analysts describe the move as a de facto annexation of the Palestinian territory, which will reshape its civil and legal landscape by eliminating obstacles to settlement expansion. The International Court of Justice had previously stated that Israeli actions amount to annexation of the occupied West Bank.

The proposal’s approval has sparked concerns about the implications for the occupied territory and its inhabitants. Political analyst Xavier Abu Eid notes that Israel is “implanting their political programme” through this move, which he believes is part of a broader effort to annex the territory.

Source: Al Jazeera