Israel enacts new law allowing Jewish land purchases in Palestinian territories, drawing criticism from international community.
New Law Lifts Restrictions on Jewish Land Purchases
The new law lifts the ban on Jews buying land in Palestinian territories. Building permits will be issued not by Palestinian authorities, but by Israeli ones. This de facto annexation of the West Bank is contrary to international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government confirmed this position, with Finance Minister Becalel Smotrich admitting, “The goal is to bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”
Settlements Viewed as Illegal Under International Law
Jewish settlements built on Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. In 2021, the UN special envoy to Palestinian territories stated that they bear the hallmarks of war crimes.
Despite this, Israeli authorities and the military support the settlements, allowing for increasing brutality against Palestinians evicted from their homes. The UN reported that last year, settlements in the West Bank expanded at the fastest rate since monitoring began.
International Community Responds with Criticism
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stated that the new law is an attempt by Israel to legalize the expansion of settlements, land confiscation, and demolition of Palestinian properties. The Israeli NGO PeaceNow criticized the changes, claiming the Israeli government is breaking all barriers on the way to mass land grabbing in the West Bank.
The decision was criticized by Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Great Britain also condemned Israel. A White House official cited by Reuters reported that Donald Trump is against the new law. On February 11, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with the US president to discuss Iran, though it remains unclear if the West Bank law will be addressed.