Palestinian leaders sharply criticize a new set of West Bank measures approved by Israel's security cabinet
By Sammy,
Palestinian leaders sharply criticize a new set of West Bank measures approved by Israel's security cabinet, warning the moves risk escalating tensions and undermining existing agreements, after Israeli ministers frame the decisions as a major shift in governance and development policy.
According to a joint announcement from Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the cabinet endorsed steps to publicize previously classified West Bank land registries, repeal a Jordan-era restriction that barred non-Muslims from buying property, and expand Israeli oversight in Areas A and B on environmental, water and archaeological matters. The plan also places construction and maintenance authority at flashpoint holy sites under Israeli control, including transferring approval over building in Hebron's Jewish community solely to Israeli authorities and creating a dedicated municipal body for Rachel's Tomb. Katz says the government aims to "remove barriers" and let residents of Israeli settlements in the West Bank "live, build and develop on equal footing," while Smotrich calls the policy shift a process of "normalizing life in the West Bank" and promises to continue working to "kill the idea of a Palestinian state."
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas rejects the decisions as illegitimate, with his office describing them as dangerous and declaring them "null and void" in comments published by the PA's WAFA news outlet. PA Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh says the measures represent a "dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of international law," arguing they cancel prior agreements and threaten prospects for a two-state outcome. Both officials call on the United States and the international community to intervene. In contrast, the Yesha Council, an umbrella body representing settlements, praises the cabinet's actions, saying they entrench Israeli sovereignty on the ground.
Reported by Sammy for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.