Several Arab states and the European Union have condemned the Israeli government's decision to begin registering lands in part of the West Bank in the Israeli state registry. Critics argue that this move could facilitate the expansion of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.

As noted by BBC News correspondent Yolanda Knell in Jerusalem, this effectively changes a regulatory system that has been in place for decades, which included restrictions on land purchases by non-Muslims in the West Bank. Israeli authorities stated that the decision aims to streamline land relations. It pertains to the so-called "Zone C," which, according to Agence France-Presse, covers about 60% of the West Bank and is under Israeli control.

The government emphasized that the new measure should reduce the number of legal disputes, simplify infrastructure projects, and ensure more transparent land sales. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is a "technical and administrative" decision aimed at clarifying property rights and resolving legal conflicts. They also noted that the step was a response to cases of illegal registration of land rights in territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority.

Meanwhile, representatives of the right-wing faction in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet openly link the initiative to strengthening Israeli control over the region. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the decision is part of a policy to reinforce Israel's presence in the West Bank.

Source: kun.uz