Israel signs off on critical decisions changing the status quo in the West Bank: Annexation accelerating

In addition to its attacks on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli administration has taken steps in the occupied territories of the West Bank that will change the status quo and accelerate the process of de facto annexation. The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a series of regulations that will increase "supervision and control" in areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

"THE IDEA OF A PALESTINIAN STATE IS BEING ELIMINATED"

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich explained the purpose of the decisions taken as follows: "With these steps, we are deepening Israel's presence in all territories and aiming to eliminate the idea of a Palestinian State." Smotrich's statements clarify the framework of the regulations that will increase Israel's intervention power in the West Bank.

According to reports in the Haaretz newspaper, the proposals of Smotrich and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz were accepted at the cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The approved decisions include new legal regulations that will facilitate the Israeli army's intervention in Palestinian-owned lands in the West Bank. According to these new regulations, Israeli forces will be able to conduct operations on grounds such as "water violations," "damage to archaeological sites," or "environmental pollution."

THE PATH TO OPERATIONS IN THE WEST BANK HAS BEEN OPENED

Accordingly, Israel will be able to intervene within the administrative borders of the Palestinian administration in the West Bank for environmental and archaeological reasons. This regulation will pave the way for Israel to establish more control in the West Bank and will narrow the living spaces of Palestinians.

MAJOR CHANGE IN HEBRON

One of the most striking decisions taken by the Israeli Cabinet concerns the city of Hebron in the southern West Bank. This regulation stipulates that licensing and construction authorities in Hebron be taken from the Palestinian municipality and transferred to the "Civil Administration" under the control of the Israeli army. This decision aims to make it easier for Jewish settlers to acquire property. Minister Smotrich argued that the new regulation would facilitate the work of settlers.

MANAGEMENT OF THE HOLY SITE HAS ALSO CHANGED

Another change to the status quo was made regarding Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. The management of this site, which is considered holy for both Muslims and Jews, was taken from the Palestinian municipality and transferred to the Israeli administrative unit responsible for its maintenance and operation.

"INDEPENDENT MUNICIPALITY" TO BE ESTABLISHED IN HEBRON

Finally, the cabinet approved the establishment of an "independent municipality" in the area in Hebron where Jewish settlements, which are contrary to international law, are located. This decision will lead to a further change in the status quo in the West Bank and will pose a major threat to Palestinian sovereignty.