Palestinians Decry Israeli Measures as Steps Towards Annexation in West Bank

Tue Feb 10 2026 15:35:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Israeli government's recent implementation of measures aimed at facilitating Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank has sparked widespread condemnation, described by Palestinians and others as a de facto annexation.

New measures approved by Israel's security cabinet are perceived as facilitating Israeli settlements in the West Bank, prompting strong condemnation from Palestinian leaders, Arab countries, and human rights organizations. Critics argue these steps threaten the prospect of a Palestinian state and contribute to escalating tensions in the region.

Palestinians, Arab countries, Israeli anti-occupation groups, and the UK have condemned new steps approved by Israel's security cabinet for the occupied West Bank, saying they amount to de facto annexation.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the moves that would make it easier for Jewish settlers to take over Palestinian land. We will continue to kill the idea of a Palestinian state, he stated.

All settlements are seen as illegal under international law. The measures are expected to increase Israeli control over the territory concerning property law, planning, licensing, and enforcement.

These measures were revealed three days ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Israeli ministers presented the changes as enhancing transparency in real estate transactions, while critics, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, have labeled them as dangerous attempts to legitimize settlement expansion and property confiscation.

The UK government also denounced the measures, calling for their reversal, as they increase tensions and violate international law. Furthermore, foreign ministers from several Arab nations noted the changes would exacerbate tensions and lead to the displacement of Palestinian people.

As Israel continues its settlement expansion, critics warn of increasing violence and conflict in the region, with Palestinian displacement at a record high. Palestinian leaders insist on international intervention to stop these measures.