Israel reopens West Bank land registry, in first since 1967

The government on Sunday approved the proposal to reopen land registration in the West Bank for the first time since 1967, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced in a joint statement.

“The decision means, among other things, the registration of extensive areas in the West Bank that belong to the state in the name of the state,” the statement read, explaining that the proposal would allow the Justice Ministry’s Authority for Registration and Settlement of Land Rights to oversee settlements, and receive a “dedicated budget” allocated for this purpose.

The proposal will further enable “a transparent and in-depth clarification of rights,” in order to end legal disputes and facilitate the proper development of infrastructure and market land.

“The decision constitutes an appropriate response to the illegal settlement procedures that the Palestinian Authority is promoting in Area C, in violation of the law and agreements,” the statement said.

“The renewal of land settlement in Judea and Samaria is an essential security and governance measure designed to ensure control, enforcement, and full freedom of action for the State of Israel in the area,” Katz stated in response to the proposal.

Smotrich said that Israel was “continuing the revolution of settlement and strengthening our hold across all parts of our land.”

“For the first time since the Six-Day War, we are restoring order and governance in the management of land in Judea and Samaria. A regulated land settlement prevents disputes, creates legal certainty, blocks unilateral steps, and enables lawful and responsible development,” he added.

The Regavim movement celebrated the decision, noting that it is “an important decision that makes it clear to our enemy that there is a homeowner for the nation’s lands.”

“Under the auspices of the vacuum on the part of Israel, the Palestinian Authority began registering illegal land with the assistance of foreign governments and registered in the ‘Palestinian taboo’ over one million and three hundred thousand dunams in the [West Bank] on its way to establishing a terrorist state,” the movement said in a statement. 

“We welcome the important Zionist decision that makes it clear to terrorists that there is a homeowner for the nation’s lands and ensures the continued future and security of the State of Israel.”