Hebron’s mayor has voiced concerns over the safety and future of Palestinians in the West Bank as Israel continues to expand its control over the region. The statement comes amid new rules easing restrictions on Israeli land purchases in the area, a move critics say accelerates de facto annexation. The situation is raising fears among Palestinian officials and drawing international condemnation.
The recent developments, announced by the Israeli government on February 12, 2026, allow Israeli citizens to purchase land in the West Bank – referred to as Judea and Samaria by some Israelis – under the same regulations as those applying to land purchases within Israel itself. This effectively removes restrictions that previously hindered Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied territory. The move is being framed by Israeli officials as a way to ensure environmental protection and preserve Jewish heritage, even within areas administered by the Palestinian Authority.
“Judea and Samaria is the Jewish homeland of the people of Israel,” stated Zvi Sukkot, a lawmaker with the Religious Zionism party, according to reporting from Rocket News. “I expect there to be full Israeli sovereignty here, but in the meantime at least we can supervise, so there will be no environmental harm and we won’t harm the heritage of the people of Israel, even if it’s in Palestinian-run areas.”
Expanding Israeli Control in the West Bank
The new rules are the latest step in what observers describe as a gradual effort to annex the West Bank, a process spearheaded by figures like Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Al Jazeera reports that Smotrich has long sought to claim the West Bank for Israel, and securing a foothold in the territory was a key demand before joining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government in 2022.
The move has been met with widespread criticism from the international community, with some countries labeling it an illegal annexation push. Muslim countries have also issued strong condemnations, according to reports. The changes effectively make it easier for Israeli Jews to acquire Palestinian land and expand existing settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
Concerns Over Security and Palestinian Rights
The Hebron mayor’s statement, highlighting a feeling of being “not protected,” underscores the growing anxiety among Palestinians regarding their future in the West Bank. The expansion of Israeli control raises concerns about increased displacement, restrictions on movement, and the erosion of Palestinian self-governance.
Meanwhile, Israeli lawmakers are discussing the practical implications of extending full sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. On February 15, 2026, the Knesset’s Subcommittee on Judea and Samaria convened to discuss the issue, summoning representatives from the defense establishment, the Justice Ministry, and the Settlements and National Missions Ministry, as reported by United with Israel. Religious Zionism Party lawmaker Zvi Sukkot convened the subcommittee.
Recent Violence and Security Concerns
The escalating tensions come against a backdrop of recent unrest in the West Bank. MK Zvi Sukkot addressed overnight riots in Judea and Samaria, stating that the rioters’ actions were “criminal behavior” and questioning the reliability of information provided by the IDF, according to Ynet News. He called for the arrest of anyone throwing stones at the IDF, suggesting that those endangering lives “should be shot.”
The situation remains volatile, with ongoing concerns about further escalation and the potential for increased violence. The Knesset conference pushing for sovereignty, coupled with the new land purchase regulations, signals a continued commitment from certain factions within the Israeli government to deepen its control over the West Bank.
Looking ahead, the international community will be closely watching how these developments unfold and whether they lead to further annexation or a renewed push for a two-state solution. The immediate impact on the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank, and the potential for increased instability, remain significant concerns.
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