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Israel’s government recently changed land registration rules in the West Bank. These changes make it easier for Israeli Jews to buy property in Palestinian areas, which has sparked fears of de facto annexation.
The Israeli cabinet announced the decisions on Sunday. In addition to easing property purchases, Israel made land registries in the West Bank public. This allows potential buyers to identify Palestinian landowners, which could expose them to pressure or harassment.
Shift in Authority Over Settlements
The Israeli cabinet also decided to transfer authority over building permits for illegal Jewish settlements in Hebron and the Ibrahimi Mosque compound from the Palestinian Hebron municipality to Israel.
Moataz Abu Sneina, director of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, called the moves a serious threat. He explained that the decisions aim to strengthen Israeli control over Hebron’s Old City and the mosque compound.
“What is happening today is the most serious development since 1967,” Abu Sneina said. “We view it with grave concern for the Old City and the Ibrahimi Mosque, which is the symbol and beating heart of Hebron.”
The site is also revered by Jews as the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Israeli settlers maintain control over parts of the area, and the Israeli military reinforces their presence, despite the settlers numbering only a few hundred.
Hebron: A Pattern of Occupation
Abu Sneina described Israel’s strategy as systematic: increased settler incursions, restricted access for worshippers, and control over entrances.
“This paves the way for a new division or even harsher reality than the one imposed since the 1994 massacre,” he said.
Moreover, Mohannad al-Jaabari, director of the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, said Israel is consolidating its presence. This includes confiscating Palestinian-owned shops, building illegal settlements, and connecting local water networks to Israeli infrastructure. He warned that the aim is to create a Jewish quarter linking settlements to the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Nabil Faraj, a Palestinian journalist, called the moves “dangerous” and said they undermine the peace process. In addition, he noted that Israel is restructuring the West Bank to expand settlements and reduce Palestinian administrative control.
Bethlehem Fears Replicating Hebron
Palestinians in Bethlehem fear similar changes. The Israeli cabinet announced that the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque (Rachel’s Tomb) will now fall under Israeli administration for cleaning and maintenance. The cemetery has also been affected.
“Annexing the area would prevent burials and visits to the Islamic cemetery. This is extremely serious and completely unacceptable,” said Bassam Abu Srour, a resident of Aida refugee camp.
Furthermore, residents across the West Bank feel powerless. Mamdouh al-Natsheh, a shop owner in Hebron, described a gradual takeover:
“The city is being taken from its people step by step. Daily restrictions are turning it into a fixed policy that suffocates every detail of life.”
He added that children growing up in Hebron face constant monitoring and a divided city, losing their sense of security and future.
“I fear the day will come when we are told this area has been officially annexed, and that our presence depends on permits,” al-Natsheh said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Palestinians fear Israel’s new land rules could expand settlements and solidify control over key West Bank areas. Moreover, the changes in Hebron serve as a warning for other Palestinian cities. Therefore, tensions are increasing, and the long-term viability of peace efforts is under threat.
