Gaza: Israel Cabinet Makes Historic Proposal Over West Bank; May Put Entire Palestine At Risk

Jerusalem: Amid the Gaza war between Israel and Palestine conflict, the Israeli cabinet has made a historic and controversial decision. For the first time since the 1967 Six-Day War, the Israeli cabinet has approved the resumption of land registration and title settlement processes in the West Bank (specifically Area C). This move could lead to large areas being declared state property if Palestinian owners are unable to produce documents proving ownership.

What are the provisions of the new proposal?

The proposal was introduced by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defense Minister Israel Katz. Smotrich described it as part of a "settlement revolution" and a "revolution" to strengthen Israeli control over the entire region. Under this proposal, Israel will restart the land title settlement process in the occupied West Bank. This process had been halted since the 1967 Six-Day War. Once the process begins, anyone claiming land will be required to submit the necessary documents to prove their ownership. If Palestinians fail to provide these documents, the new proposal would give Israel the right to take control of the land as "state property."

"We are continuing the revolution of settlement and strengthening our hold across all parts of our land," Smotrich told the media.

This proposal primarily focuses on Area C of the West Bank, which is completely under Israeli military control. Much of the Palestinian land in the West Bank has never been registered due to costly legal procedures or because documents were lost during the war/occupation. It is estimated that over 300,000 Palestinians live in this area, and many more in surrounding communities depend on its agricultural and grazing lands. Many families possess decades-old land documents or tax records.

How have Arab nations reacted?

Palestine, Egypt, and Qatar have strongly condemned the proposal, calling it "de facto annexation." The Palestinian President's Office called it a "serious escalator of tensions and a flagrant violation of international law." The Palestinian Authority stated that the move amounts to "de facto annexation" of the West Bank. The Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now has described it as an attempt to "large-scale land grab" from Palestinians.

Hagit Ofran, director of Peace Now's Settlement Watch program, said the move is dramatic and could give the state control over almost all of Area C. Ofran told the Associated Press that Palestinians will be asked to prove ownership, which they may never be able to do. He further stated that this could allow Israel to occupy 83 percent of Area C, which is approximately half of the West Bank.

How did Hamas react?

The Palestinian militant group Hamas also condemned the move, calling it a violation of international law and UN resolutions. Hamas called it an attempt to Judaize land in the occupied West Bank by seizing it and registering it as so-called "state land."

Egypt and Qatar also condemned the action. Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned the decision to convert West Bank land into so-called "state property," saying it would deprive the Palestinian people of their rights. In a statement, the Egyptian government described the Israeli proposal as a dangerous step aimed at strengthening Israeli control over the occupied Palestinian territories.