West Bank on the brink of explosion ahead of Ramadan

The Israeli government’s recent decision to resume land registration in the occupied West Bank marks a significant administrative and political development with far-reaching implications for territorial governance, property rights, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The plan focuses primarily on Area C of the West Bank, which remains under full Israeli military and civilian control and comprises roughly 60%of the territory. For the first time since Israel assumed control of the West Bank in 1967, authorities intend to formalize land ownership through a process known as the “settlement of land title.”

While Israeli officials present the initiative as a regulatory and administrative measure, Palestinian leaders, human rights organizations, and many international observers view it as a step toward de facto annexation and a potential catalyst for increased tensions in the region.

Historical background of land ownership in the West Bank

Land ownership in the West Bank has historically been shaped by successive governing authorities. During the British Mandate period, land was categorized as either state-owned or privately held, a system later adopted by Jordan when it administered the West Bank between 1949 and 1967. However, only about 1/3 of the territory’s land was formally registered during that period. Many Palestinian landowners relied on customary or undocumented ownership practices, leaving large portions of land without formal legal documentation.

Following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War (also referred to as the “Naksa”), Israel took control of the West Bank and suspended the land registration process. Over time, the absence of a formal registration system created significant legal ambiguity, particularly for Palestinians whose land claims often rely on inherited rights or incomplete documentation. The renewed Israeli initiative seeks to address this ambiguity by establishing definitive ownership records, though critics argue that the process disproportionately disadvantages Palestinians.

Geographical and political context: Area C

The land registration plan is expected to apply primarily to Area C, one of 3 administrative divisions established under the Oslo Accords (1993-1995). Area C remains under full Israeli control, while Areas A and B are governed either fully or jointly by the Palestinian Authority (PA). Although the Oslo framework envisioned a gradual transfer of authority over Area C to Palestinian governance within 5 years, that transition never occurred.

Area C is home to more than 300,000 Palestinians and contains vital agricultural lands, grazing areas, and natural resources that sustain many Palestinian communities across the West Bank. According to Israeli and international monitoring groups, a majority of land in Area C remains unregistered. Israeli authorities have indicated that the renewed registration process aims to clarify ownership disputes and facilitate administrative governance, but critics contend that it could allow the state to classify large portions of unregistered land as state property.

Mechanisms and implementation of land registration

While Israeli officials have not released comprehensive procedural details, the process will likely involve identifying targeted parcels of land and requiring individuals or communities to provide documentation proving ownership. The government reportedly intends to register approximately 15% of currently unregistered land within the next four years.

The evidentiary requirements for proving ownership may present significant challenges for Palestinian landholders. Many land records date back several decades and may have been lost, destroyed, or never formally documented. Furthermore, existing Israeli legal frameworks, including laws concerning absentee property, may enable authorities to transfer ownership of certain lands to the state if claimants cannot meet strict documentation standards.

There were indeed precedents in East Jerusalem, where similar registration efforts have resulted in minimal recognition of Palestinian land claims. Human rights groups fear that comparable outcomes in Area C could facilitate further settlement expansion and displacement of Palestinian residents.

Impact on Palestinian communities

The potential consequences for Palestinian communities are considerable. Land registration could significantly alter patterns of land ownership, potentially leading to evictions, restrictions on agricultural access, and loss of economic livelihoods. Many Palestinian villages in Area C depend on farming and grazing lands that have been cultivated for generations without formal ownership titles.

In addition to economic repercussions, the process may exacerbate demographic and social pressures. The policy could accelerate displacement trends already observed in certain rural communities. Increased settlement construction, combined with land reclassification, may further reduce the territorial contiguity necessary for a viable Palestinian state, complicating prospects for a negotiated two-state solution (an outlined goal yet to be achieved).

International legal and diplomatic dimensions

The initiative has drawn widespread international criticism, with numerous governments and international organizations asserting that land registration in occupied territory violates International Law (IL). The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion in 2024 declaring that Israeli settlement activities and policies altering the legal status of occupied territories are inconsistent with international legal norms. Legal scholars argue that, under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), an occupying power is prohibited from exercising sovereign authority over occupied land, including permanent changes to property ownership.

Regional actors have also expressed concern. Countries with diplomatic ties to Israel, particularly Jordan and Egypt, have warned that the policy could destabilize existing agreements and inflame regional tensions. The issue carries particular sensitivity for Amman, which hosts a large Palestinian population and maintains a peace treaty with Israel since 1994 based partly on support for a negotiated Palestinian state.

Broader political and strategic implications

Beyond legal debates, the land registration decision reflects broader political dynamics within Israel and the region. Supporters within the Israeli government describe the measure as part of a broader effort to strengthen administrative control and facilitate development. Critics, however, interpret it as a strategic effort to consolidate Israeli sovereignty over contested territories while avoiding formal annexation, which could trigger stronger international backlash.

The policy also intersects with internal Palestinian political challenges, including economic instability and governance limitations in areas under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction. Increased land disputes and displacement risks may heighten social tensions and contribute to escalating violence. This could be apparent during the upcoming month of Ramadan, an occasion which has frequently witnessed conflicts and collision between Palestinians and Israelis (civilians and security officers alike).

In conclusion, Israel’s decision to restart land registration in the West Bank represents a pivotal development with complex administrative, legal, and geopolitical implications. While Israeli officials frame the initiative as a technical measure aimed at clarifying land ownership, its potential consequences extend far beyond bureaucratic governance. For Palestinians, the process raises concerns about land dispossession, displacement, and the erosion of future statehood prospects. For the international community, it underscores persistent legal and diplomatic disputes surrounding the status of the occupied territories.