Story perspectives

Israel Tightens Grip on West Bank Amid Controversy

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel has intensified control over the occupied West Bank after cabinet decisions expanding Israeli authority in areas previously under Palestinian control.
The measures ease land acquisition for settlers and allow direct purchases of Palestinian-owned land.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for cancellation of the Oslo Accords and promotion of Jewish settlement, a move condemned by 85 UN member states as unlawful.

History

Historical Context

The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, initiated a peace process between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), establishing the Palestinian Authority for limited self-governance in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, ongoing Israeli settlement expansion and recent cabinet decisions challenge these agreements, raising concerns among 85 UN member states about the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the viability of a two-state solution.

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Story summary

Israel has intensified control over the occupied West Bank after cabinet decisions expanding Israeli authority in areas previously under Palestinian control.
The measures ease land acquisition for settlers and allow direct purchases of Palestinian-owned land.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for cancellation of the Oslo Accords and promotion of Jewish settlement, a move condemned by 85 UN member states as unlawful.

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