The Trump White House has voiced opposition after Israel unveiled a new set of measures designed to expand Israeli control over the occupied West Bank, triggering swift international backlash.
Israel’s security cabinet approved the plan following proposals from Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The changes focus largely on land ownership, governance authority, and administrative oversight across the territory.
Key Elements of The Israeli Plan
- Public release of West Bank land registries, allowing potential buyers to identify property owners
- Repeal of a Jordanian-era law that kept land records confidential
- Removal of permit requirements previously needed for land purchases
- Elimination of legal limits on non-Muslims buying property
- Expanded Israeli enforcement authority in Areas A and B, including water, environment, and archaeology
- Transfer of building permit authority in Hebron from Palestinian to Israeli administration
- Changes to management of key religious sites, including the Cave of the Patriarchs and Rachel’s Tomb
International Reaction
The White House said US President Donald Trump opposes annexation of the West Bank and supports maintaining stability. The UK government strongly condemned the decisions, while the European Union called them a step in the wrong direction.
Eight Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement rejecting the measures as unlawful. The United Nations secretary-general warned the decisions further weaken prospects for a two-state solution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to meet Trump in Washington shortly after the announcement, as diplomatic pressure around the West Bank plan continues to mount.
