News|Occupied West BankIsrael’s move to register land ‘systematises dispossession’ of PalestiniansIsraeli rights groups say land registration in occupied West Bank will further the Israeli government’s objective of annexing Palestinian territory.
Israel has decided to resume the land registration processes in the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967. This initiative follows the government's approval of a proposal by Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Justice Yariv…
Israel has decided to resume the land registration processes in the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967. This initiative follows the government's approval of a proposal by Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Justice Yariv Levin, and Minister of Defence Israel Katz.
The reinstated land registration process, also known as settlement of land title, is expected to impact land ownership claims in the region. Historically, about 70 percent of the West Bank remains unregistered, making it challenging to establish definitive property ownership.
The new registration process could potentially affect land access for Palestinians, as significant portions of the population may lack the documentation required to prove ownership. This process, which was largely frozen since 1968, could lead to changes in property rights and influence the legal landscape concerning land claims.
Previously, land registration under the Jordanian Administration covered approximately 30 percent of the West Bank. The current legal framework requires historical documents, some dating back to the British Mandate or Jordanian rule, which many Palestinians may not possess.
Israel has decided to resume the land registration processes in the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967.
Israel's Supreme Court recently dismissed a petition opposing the resumption of the land registration process, citing the premature nature of ruling on the government's policy implementation.
The ongoing situation raises questions about compliance with international law. Previous cases in East Jerusalem have demonstrated a similar pattern, where land registrations predominantly favored Israeli state or private ownership.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion in 2024, criticizing the expropriation of land and highlighting the unlawfulness of long-term occupation in Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
