AhlulBayt News Agency: An Israeli anti‑settlement watchdog has warned former U.S. President Donald Trump that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is advancing a de facto annexation of the occupied West Bank, despite Trump’s stated opposition to such a move.
Peace Now said that only days after Trump publicly emphasized his rejection of annexation, the Israeli cabinet approved a measure that effectively amounts to full annexation of West Bank land.
According to the organization, the Israeli decision to initiate a land‑settlement process in the West Bank constitutes a “massive theft” of Palestinian territory. It warned that land registration would transfer ownership of most of Area C to Israel, leaving Palestinians with virtually no ability to exercise their property rights. Area C makes up more than 60 percent of the occupied West Bank.
The group noted that even Israel itself had previously prohibited such annexation following the 1967 Six‑Day War, during which it occupied the West Bank.
Peace Now cautioned Trump directly, saying: “International law clearly forbids land settlement in occupied territory… We warn you, President Trump — Netanyahu is deceiving you. You said you would not allow annexation, but he is annexing right under your nose.”
Under the new plan, 244.1 million shekels (over $78 million) will be allocated between 2026 and 2030 to establish a mechanism for registering and settling land in Area C. The move follows a May 2025 resolution that initiated preparations for opening settlement procedures.
The decision also creates a “Settlement Administration” within Israel’s so‑called justice ministry to oversee land registration in the West Bank.
Overall, the process could enable Israel to seize up to 83 percent of Area C.
Peace Now added that Palestinians would be required to prove land ownership “in a way that is almost impossible,” and failure to do so would result in automatic registration of the land under Israel’s name. The group stressed that such land registration is an act of sovereignty prohibited for an occupying power under international law.
The decision has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Hamas, which called it “null and void” and an attempt to impose settlement and Judaization by force in violation of international law and UN resolutions.
The Palestinian Authority also condemned the move, describing it as a “dangerous escalation” that nullifies previous agreements and contradicts UN Security Council resolutions.
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