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A wave of international criticism is building against Israel following its recent approval of a measure to register land in the occupied West Bank as “state property.” Nearly 100 states and three major political blocs have voiced opposition, characterizing the move as a significant step towards annexation of Palestinian territory. The decision, approved late Sunday, has ignited concerns about escalating tensions and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli government maintains the land registration process is intended to clarify ownership rights and resolve legal disputes, particularly those stemming from what it describes as unlawful land registration within areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority. However, this explanation has failed to quell widespread condemnation from Arab nations and international observers, who view the action as a deliberate attempt to solidify Israeli control over the West Bank. The move is seen as a continuation of policies aimed at altering the demographic and legal status of the occupied territories.
Arab Nations Lead Condemnation
Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan were among the first to publicly denounce the measure, labeling it a violation of international law. The Egyptian government issued a statement calling it a “dangerous escalation aimed at consolidating Israeli control over the occupied Palestinian territories.” CBS News reports that Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the “decision to convert West Bank lands into so-called ‘state property’,” arguing it would “deprive the Palestinian people of their rights.” Jordan’s foreign ministry similarly condemned the actions, stating they “constitute a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law” and would obstruct the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The condemnation extends beyond these three nations, with Dawn reporting that nearly 100 states and three blocs have issued statements opposing the move. This broad international opposition underscores the deep concern over Israel’s policies in the West Bank and the potential for further instability in the region.
Historical Context of West Bank Annexation Efforts
Efforts to annex the West Bank have a long history, dating back to the 1967 Six-Day War. The Union of Islamic Cooperation details a timeline of these attempts, beginning with the 1967 Allon Plan, which proposed annexing significant portions of the Jordan Valley, East Jerusalem, and surrounding settlements. More recently, in September 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for annexation of the Jordan Valley, though these plans were later paused due to pressure from the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
The current land registration measure is viewed by critics as a continuation of this “creeping annexation,” a process of gradually extending Israeli control over Palestinian territory through legal and administrative means. This includes applying Israeli law to settlements throughout the West Bank, creating a dual legal system and further complicating the prospects for a two-state solution. According to Wikipedia, the annexation of East Jerusalem was the first part of the West Bank to be annexed, occurring de facto in 1967 and de jure in 1980.
Legislative Moves and Broad Consensus
Recent legislative efforts in the Israeli Knesset further demonstrate a growing consensus on the principle of annexation. In October 2025, the Knesset approved, in a preliminary reading, a bill to impose “Israeli sovereignty” over the entire occupied West Bank, initiated by Knesset member Avi Maoz of the far-right “Noam” bloc. Simultaneously, another bill to annex the Ma’ale Adumim settlement east of Jerusalem received support from both the coalition and opposition parties, indicating a broad agreement on annexation despite disagreements over timing, and methods.
The current land registration proposal builds on these legislative attempts, aiming to solidify Israeli claims to land in the West Bank. Even as Israeli officials present it as a technical measure to resolve land disputes, the international community largely views it as a deliberate step towards de facto annexation, further eroding the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution.
The situation remains highly volatile, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in the West Bank. Further legislative action by the Israeli government, coupled with continued settlement expansion, could lead to increased tensions and further undermine the prospects for peace. The next steps will likely involve continued diplomatic pressure on Israel and further scrutiny of its policies in the occupied territories.
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