The Israeli Security Ministerial Council on Sunday approved a package of measures aimed at deepening control over the occupied West Bank, in preparation for further settlement expansion in the Palestinian territories. Since 1967, Israel has occupied the West Bank, which is supposed to constitute the largest part of any future Palestinian state, but the extreme religious right and settlers consider it Israeli land.

Published on: 02/08/2026 - 21:28

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On Sunday, the Israeli Security Ministerial Council approved a package of measures to consolidate the Hebrew state’s control over the occupied West Bank, in an effort to further settlement expansion in the Palestinian territories.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement, “Today the Security Ministerial Council approved a series of decisions...that radically change the legal and civil reality in Judea and Samaria,” using the biblical name for the West Bank.

“Judea and Samaria is the heart of the country”

Smotrich stressed that this step aims to "deepen our roots in all regions of the Land of Israel and bury the idea of ​​establishing a Palestinian state."

In turn, Katz considered that “Judea and Samaria are the heart of the country, and strengthening them represents a very important security, national and Zionist interest.”

The measures announced by the two ministers include lifting rules dating back many years that prevent Jews from buying land in the West Bank.

The measures also include transferring the authority to issue building permits for settlements in parts of Palestinian cities, including Hebron, from the municipal bodies affiliated with the Palestinian Authority, to Israel.

"Allowing the settlers to live..."

In addition, the Times of Israel website reported that changes to the construction policy in the Jewish neighborhood in Hebron required the approval of both the local municipality and the Israeli authorities. Under the new procedure, these changes will only require Israeli approval.

“We are committed to removing barriers, establishing legal and civil certainty, and allowing settlers to live, build and develop on an equal basis with every Israeli citizen,” Katz added in the statement.

The statement added that these measures will also allow the Israeli authorities to manage some religious sites, even if they are located in areas subject to the Palestinian Authority.

"Legitimizing settlement and plundering of lands"

For its part, the Palestinian presidency condemned the decision, saying that it aims to "deepen attempts to annex the West Bank."

She added that this is "an open Israeli attempt to legitimize settlement, plunder land, and demolish the property of Palestinian citizens, even in areas under Palestinian sovereignty."

The Palestinian Authority exercises varying control over areas that have become practically geographically disconnected in the West Bank.

For his part, he praised the measures of the Yesha Council, an organization that represents the majority of settlers in the West Bank, saying that "the Israeli government announced today, de facto, that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people."

The announcement of the measures comes days before a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump, who has previously publicly opposed Israel's annexation of the West Bank.

With the exception of East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed, more than 500,000 Israelis live in illegal settlements and outposts under international law, along with three million Palestinians, across the West Bank.

In 2025, settlement expansion will reach its highest level since at least 2017, when the United Nations began recording data, according to a recent report by the organization.

Israel approved the establishment of 19 settlements in December alone.

Since 1967, the Hebrew state has occupied the West Bank, which is supposed to constitute the largest part of any future Palestinian state, but the extreme religious right and settlers consider it Israeli land.

France 24/AFP

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