Israel has approved the process of registering land in the West Bank as state property, prompting condemnation from the international community, particularly Arab nations, which say this is an attempt to seize Palestinian land.
Foreign news agencies reported on 16 Feb 2026 that the Israeli government has approved the process of registering land in the West Bank as "state property," drawing condemnation from Arab countries and opposing parties who see this as accelerating the annexation of Palestinian territory.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the measure, approved late Sunday night (15 Feb), will help ensure “transparent and thorough clarification of rights to resolve legal disputes” and is necessary after improper land registration occurred in areas under the control of the Palestinian National Authority (PA).
However, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan condemned Israel's move as a violation of international law. Egypt said this escalates a dangerous conflict and aims to tighten control over Palestinian territory occupied by Israel (the West Bank).
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the change of West Bank land into so-called “state property,” saying it will deprive the Palestinian people of their rights.
The Palestinian National Authority, based in Ramallah, called on the international community to intervene to prevent the de facto start of territorial annexation and the undermining of the foundations of the Palestinian state.
The land registration will take place only in Area C, which accounts for about 60 percent of the entire West Bank territory and is under Israeli security and administrative control.
Jonathan Mizrahi, co-director of the watchdog group Peace Now, said, “Many lands that Palestinians consider theirs will be found not to belong to them under this new registration process.”
Palestinians view the West Bank as a vital foundation for a future Palestinian state, but many right-wing Israeli religious groups seek to occupy this land.
Last week, Israel’s security cabinet approved several measures supported by right-wing ministers to tighten control over West Bank areas administered by the Palestinian National Authority under the Oslo Accords, effective since the 1990s.
These measures, which also sparked international opposition, include allowing Jewish Israeli citizens to buy land directly in the West Bank and permitting Israeli authorities to manage certain religious sites in areas under Palestinian National Authority control.
Israel's latest moves come amid an increase in attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank.
Volker Türk, the UN's human rights chief, said in a statement that we are witnessing rapid actions aimed at permanently changing the demographic makeup of the West Bank, including land confiscation and coercing people to leave.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump opposed Israel’s attempts to annex the West Bank, stating that stability in the territory helps ensure Israel's security. However, Trump did not directly criticize Israel's latest measures despite international disapproval.
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Source:cna