Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that the security cabinet has approved expanding enforcement operations in Areas A and B, including regulatory measures on water violations and archaeological sites, alongside easing land sales to Jews in the West Bank.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Minister of Finance, revealed that the security cabinet sanctioned the enhancement of enforcement processes in Palestinian Authority-controlled Areas A and B. These measures include oversight on issues related to water violations, environmental hazards, and the protection of archaeological sites. Smotrich emphasized the importance of these actions as a means to reinforce Israeli presence and governance in these regions, suggesting it eliminates detrimental environmental influences and enhances Israel's control over historical and cultural assets. Furthermore, these decisions reflect a significant shift in the Israeli government's approach toward the West Bank, showcasing a willingness to override existing regulations traditionally aimed at preserving Palestinian land rights.
In a notable move, the cabinet also approved easing regulations related to land sales to Jews within the West Bank, which historians and political analysts expect will intensify tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. This decision eliminates the Jordanian law that restricted land sales to non-Arabs, thereby simplifying the process for Jewish settlers to acquire land directly rather than through bureaucratic channels with the Civil Administration. Such legislation highlights the ongoing ideological struggle over land ownership in contested areas and raises questions about the future of a potential Palestinian state, as Smotrich stated that they aim to
