Israel's Controversial West Bank Policy Shift: A New Chapter in Territorial Disputes

Israel's security cabinet approved measures easing land purchase by settlers in the occupied West Bank, granting more enforcement powers over Palestinians. This move, seen as de-facto annexation by Palestinian leaders, precedes Netanyahu's meeting with Trump, amid ongoing settlement expansion and international intervention calls.

Israel's security cabinet has sanctioned significant policy changes easing land acquisitions by settlers in the West Bank. These measures, perceived as de-facto annexation, grant expanded enforcement authority over Palestinians, a move promptly denounced by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The policy revisions streamline land purchase regulations for Jewish individuals and enhance administrative control over religious sites and environmental issues within areas governed by the Palestinian Authority. This comes three days prior to a crucial meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump in Washington.

Abbas has urged international intervention, arguing the changes threaten a prospective Palestinian state. Despite international critique, Netanyahu's administration continues settler expansions, complicating the prospect of peace in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)