The Israeli government has approved an illegal plan to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property” if Palestinians cannot prove ownership, prompting global outcry and accusations of de-facto annexation. 


Israel’s Kan broadcaster reported on Sunday that the proposal was submitted by Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Justice Yariv Levin and Minister of Defence Israel Katz.

Smotrich said the move was a continuation of “the settlement revolution to control all our lands”, while Levin described it as an expression of the government’s commitment “to strengthening its grip on all its parts”.

The decision allows for the resumption of the “settlement of land title” process, which has remained frozen since Israel’s occupation of the West Bank in 1967. Under the process, when authorities begin land registration in a specific area, anyone claiming ownership must submit documents proving their claim.

Palestinian officials and rights groups say that after decades of occupation, many residents lack the required documentation due to legal complexities and the loss of records during conflict. The move could affect thousands of Palestinians living in Area C, which is under full Israeli military control under the Oslo Accords. More than 300,000 Palestinians are estimated to reside in Area C, with others dependent on its agricultural and grazing lands.

The Palestinian presidency condemned the decision in a statement, calling it a “grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law”, which amounts to “de-facto annexation”. It urged the international community, particularly the United States (US) and the United Nations Security Council, to intervene.

Hamas also denounced the decision, calling it an attempt “to steal and Judaise lands in the occupied West Bank by registering them as so-called ‘state lands’”. The group described the approval as “a null and void decision issued by an illegitimate occupying power”.

Israeli anti-settlement organisation Peace Now said the process likely amounts to a “mega land grab” from Palestinians. Hagit Ofran, director of the group’s Settlement Watch programme, said, “Palestinians will be sent to prove ownership in a way that they will never be able to do.” She added that Israel “might take over 83 percent of Area C, which is about half of the West Bank.”

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued statements condemning the move as a violation of international law. Egypt cited the Fourth Geneva Convention and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016.

There was no immediate comment from the United States. More than 700,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank. The UN’s highest court, meanwhile, said in a non-binding advisory opinion in 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and settlements in the West Bank are illegal and should be ended as soon as possible.