Israel Approves New Measures to Tighten Control Over Occupied West Bank

Israel’s security cabinet has approved new rules aimed at strengthening Israeli control over the occupied West Bank, a move that has triggered strong condemnation from Palestinian authorities and neighboring Jordan.

According to Israeli media reports, the new measures will make it easier for Israeli settlers to purchase land in the occupied territory and will grant Israeli officials expanded powers to enforce laws on Palestinians. The rules are also expected to increase Israeli oversight in areas currently administered by the Palestinian Authority.

The Palestinian presidency described the decision as “dangerous,” accusing Israel of attempting to legalize settlement expansion and land confiscation. The office of President Mahmoud Abbas called on the United States and the United Nations Security Council to intervene immediately.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the move, saying it was aimed at imposing illegal Israeli sovereignty and entrenching settlements in the West Bank.

The Hamas group urged Palestinians in the West Bank to intensify confrontation with Israeli occupation forces and settlers.

Israeli news outlets, including Ynet and Haaretz, reported that the measures include lifting restrictions that had previously prevented private Jewish individuals from buying land in the West Bank, allowing Israeli authorities to take over the management of some religious sites, and expanding Israeli supervision and law enforcement in areas run by the Palestinian Authority.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the government would continue efforts to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”

Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh warned that the measures violate international law and existing agreements, describing them as a serious escalation that threatens to eliminate prospects for a two-state solution and increase regional instability.

The reports come just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, DC.