Israeli government approves new West Bank land policy

"Israel's government on Sunday approved a contentious plan to make it easier for Israeli settlers to purchase land in the occupied West Bank and further sideline Palestinian authorities. Under the decision, Israeli authorities will announce certain areas to undergo registration, requiring anyone claiming the land to prove ownership, even though ownership of the biggest part of West Bank land has never been formally registered."

"The Palestinian Authority rejected the move, which marks the first formal land-registration process in the West Bank since 1967. It also sparked criticism from the European Union and several Arab states. Germany condemned the security cabinet's earlier approval last week, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson calling the measures "a further step towards de facto annexation" and saying they violate international law."

Israel approved a plan to initiate formal land registration in parts of the occupied West Bank, requiring claimants to prove ownership despite most West Bank land lacking formal registration. The decision permits private Israeli citizens to purchase land and transfers parts of territorial administration from military to civilian authorities. The Palestinian Authority rejected the measure. The move provoked criticism from the European Union, several Arab states and Germany, with Berlin calling it "a further step towards de facto annexation" and saying it violates international law. Far-right Israeli ministers described the step as restoring governance, control and security over Judea and Samaria.

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