First Time Since 1967, Israel Approves West Bank Land Registration as State Property

Israel’s government on Sunday approved a proposal to formally register extensive tracts of land in the occupied West Bank as “state property,” marking the first such measure since the territory came under Israeli control in 1967.

Ministers Behind the Proposal

According to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, the initiative was submitted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defense Minister Israel Katz — all key figures within the current governing coalition.

The ministers argued that formal land registration is necessary to clarify ownership status and strengthen administrative oversight in parts of the territory. However, critics view the measure as part of a broader push to consolidate Israeli control over occupied land.

Repealing Restrictions and Expanding Authority

The decision follows recent steps by Israel’s security cabinet aimed at dismantling long-standing land restrictions dating back to the Jordanian administration prior to 1967. Those measures include reopening land registries and transferring planning powers in certain areas of the West Bank to Israeli authorities.

The West Bank has remained under Israeli occupation since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Under the framework of the Oslo Accords, the territory was divided into areas with varying degrees of Palestinian and Israeli administrative and security control. Observers warn that the latest move risks undermining that framework.

Palestinian Condemnation and International Concerns

The Palestinian presidency swiftly condemned the decision, describing it as a “grave escalation” and a “flagrant violation of international law.” In a statement, Palestinian officials said the registration effort amounts to “de facto annexation” of occupied territory.

International reactions are expected to follow, as the move touches on one of the most sensitive dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: land ownership and settlement expansion. Many members of the international community continue to view Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law, a position Israel disputes.

The approval signals a potential turning point in Israeli land policy in the West Bank, raising fresh questions about the viability of a negotiated two-state solution and the future status of the territory.

The decision does not automatically require all Palestinians to present title deeds. However, in areas declared “state property,” Palestinian residents may be compelled to formally prove ownership through official documentation, and failure to do so could result in the loss of their land claims.