Israel’s security cabinet approved measures to reshape land registration and property acquisitions in Judea and Samaria, with officials saying the steps remove decades-old barriers and repeal Jordanian-era restrictions. Publishing registries would make ownership records public and enable direct private purchases, including by non-Muslims—changes supporters argue align the area’s practices with norms inside Israel. Oversight and enforcement on issues such as environmental hazards and antiquities damage would be expanded into Areas A and B.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the decisions and called for international intervention, while Hamas urged a “rebellion” in [Judea and Samaria] and Jerusalem and pressed Muslim nations to sever ties with Israel. Pro-settlement groups hailed the policy as a de facto assertion of sovereignty; critics warned that shifting certain authorizations to the security cabinet could entrench divisive moves and complicate future reversals.
The plan would also boost Israeli control at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron and improve maintenance at Rachel’s Tomb near Bethlehem. Proponents cast the package as long-needed normalization of property rules; opponents say it risks inflaming tensions and undermining existing agreements.
Originally posted on vfinews.com
