Israel Deepens West Bank Control, 'De Facto Sovereignty'
Analysis based on 13 articles · First reported Feb 10, 2026 · Last updated Feb 10, 2026
The Israeli government's actions in the West Bank are expected to increase geopolitical instability in the Middle East, potentially leading to higher risk premiums for investments in the region. These moves could also strain Israel's diplomatic relations with regional allies and international bodies, impacting its economic and political standing.
The Israeli government has adopted new measures to deepen its control in the occupied West Bank, which top officials, including Energy Minister Eli Cohen, describe as implementing 'de facto sovereignty'. These steps, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet, expand Israel's enforcement authority over land use and planning, making it easier for Jewish settlers to acquire land. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced lifting restrictions on land sales to Israeli Jews, shifting control over holy sites, and declassifying land registry records. These actions are widely condemned by Palestinians, Arab countries, and human rights groups as annexation, contradicting international law and previous agreements. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern, stating these measures move further away from a two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination. The moves also put Israel at odds with past statements from former US President Donald Trump, who had previously opposed West Bank annexation.
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