Israel's New Land Registration Policy: A Step Toward De Facto Annexation of the West Bank

On February 15, 2026, the Israeli government approved a proposal to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property” for the first time since the Israeli occupation began in 1967. This decision, spearheaded by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, aims to facilitate the acquisition of land by Jewish Israelis and is seen as a significant move toward the de facto annexation of Palestinian territories.

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The newly approved policy allows for the registration of extensive areas in the West Bank, particularly in Area C, which constitutes about 61% of the territory and remains under full Israeli control. The registration process is expected to convert unregistered land into state land, effectively consolidating Israeli control over these areas. Smotrich stated, “We are continuing the settlement revolution to control all our lands,” emphasizing the government's commitment to expanding Jewish settlements.

Middle East Monitor

This policy is part of a broader strategy to reshape the legal and civil landscape of the West Bank, eliminating what Israeli officials describe as longstanding “legal obstacles” to settlement expansion. The move has been characterized by critics as a systematic effort to undermine the possibility of a Palestinian state, with analysts warning that it could lead to the declaration of hundreds of thousands of dunams of land as state property.

Is Israel’s land registration in the West Bank the first step toward full annexation?

The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision as a “grave escalation” and a “de facto annexation” of occupied territory, asserting that it nullifies existing agreements and violates United Nations Security Council resolutions. Hamas also denounced the move, calling it an attempt to “steal and Judaize lands” and labeling it a “null and void decision” made by an “illegitimate occupying power.”

Israel approves de facto annexation of West Bank; Hamas calls move ‘null and void’Al Jazeera (website)Middle East EyeIs Israel’s land registration in the West Bank the first step toward full annexation?Israel plans ‘de facto annexation’ of West BankKyabram Free Press

In contrast, Israeli officials defended the policy as a necessary security measure, with Katz describing it as essential for ensuring control and governance in the area. The Israeli government has framed the registration process as a response to illegal land registration efforts by the Palestinian Authority.

Kyabram Free Press

Internationally, the policy has drawn widespread condemnation. The United Kingdom, European Union, and several Muslim-majority countries have criticized the move, asserting that it undermines efforts for peace and stability in the region. The UK Foreign Office stated that any unilateral attempt to alter the geographic or demographic makeup of Palestine is “wholly unacceptable.”

Israel plans ‘de facto annexation’ of West Bank

Israeli human rights organizations, such as Peace Now, have labeled the decision a “massive land grab” and a significant step toward annexation, warning that it could further escalate tensions in the region. The International Court of Justice has previously declared Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, a stance that remains contested by the Israeli government.

Middle East MonitorAl Jazeera (website)Israel resumes contentious West Bank land registration in new step to deepen controlIsrael approves registration of large West Bank areas as state propertyThe National NewsIsrael plans ‘de facto annexation’ of West Bank

The implementation of the land registration process is expected to begin soon, although the timeline remains unclear. As Israel continues to expand its control over the West Bank, the potential for increased violence and unrest looms, particularly as Palestinian groups vow to resist these encroachments on their land. The international community's response will be crucial in determining the future dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as calls for accountability and intervention grow louder.

Is Israel’s land registration in the West Bank the first step toward full annexation?

• “We are continuing the settlement revolution to control all our lands,” — Bezalel Smotrich, Finance Minister

Al Jazeera (website)

• “a grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law,” — Palestinian Authority Statement

Israel resumes contentious West Bank land registration in new step to deepen control

• “The major changes to land, enforcement, and administrative powers proposed in the West Bank will harm efforts to advance peace and stability,” — UK Foreign Office Spokesperson

Israel plans ‘de facto annexation’ of West Bank

• “We are experiencing annexation as we speak today.” — Xavier Abu Eid, Political Analyst

Al Jazeera (website)