Feb 15 β€’ 16:49 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

The most dangerous step since 1967: Settling the West Bank lands in preparation for annexation

The Israeli government has approved a wide-ranging plan to settle occupied West Bank lands, marking the first such move since the 1967 war, aimed at annexing Palestinian territories.

In a significant escalation regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Israeli government has officially endorsed a plan to settle lands in the occupied West Bank, a step unprecedented since the 1967 war. This decision seeks to transform substantial areas of Palestinian land into property of the "State of Israel," preparing the ground for an eventual annexation of these territories. Ministers involved in the decision, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have been tasked with implementing this land settlement plan under legal frameworks meant to clarify land ownership and officially register it in the name of Israel.

The Israeli government's decision contradicts international laws and treaties, which prohibit the transfer of land ownership in occupied territories. The Ministry of Justice's land registration and rights settlement authority will oversee the practical implementation of this decision, providing it with a specific budget and established criteria to ensure its effectiveness. This move is anticipated to exacerbate tensions in the region as it alters the status quo and raises significant concerns regarding the rights of Palestinians living in those areas.

Moreover, the registration of Palestinian lands in Israeli land titles, a process that has not occurred since the West Bank was occupied in 1967, is seen as a definitive act that could hinder future negotiations about the territory. Regional and global reactions to this development are likely to be polarized, with critics viewing it as a direct challenge to peace efforts and purported violations of international law, potentially leading to increased unrest among Palestinian populations and international condemnation.

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