Israeli government approves controversial new West Bank land policy

The Israeli government has approved a controversial proposal that makes it easier for Israeli settlers to purchase land in the West Bank, media reports said on Sunday, a move that critics say will accelerate Israeli settlement construction.

The decision, which had already been approved by Israel’s security Cabinet, allows private Israeli individuals to buy land in the West Bank and transfers part of the territory’s administration to Israeli civil authorities.

The plans had already drawn criticism from the European Union and several Arab countries. Germany, too, denounced the security Cabinet’s move last week, with a spokesman from the Foreign Ministry saying the measures represent “a further step towards de facto annexation” and violate international law.

Far-right ministers celebrate decision

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz spoke of a “significant security and administrative step aimed at ensuring the full control, enforcement and freedom of action of the State of Israel in the area,” according to the Israeli television channel N12.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said: “We are continuing the revolution in settlement policy and control over all parts of our country.”

For the first time since the Six Day War in 1967, during which Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Smotrich said: “We are restoring order and governance to the administration of land in Judea and Samaria,” using the Israeli term to refer to the West Bank.

More than 700,000 Israeli settlers now live in the two territories among some 3 million Palestinians, who claim them for their own state.