Israeli Minister Proposes Land Seizure Plan in West Bank

(MENAFN) Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reportedly presented a proposal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for the seizure of what he described as strategic territories in the occupied West Bank, according to reports.

Smotrich said the plan targets areas classified under the Oslo framework as Areas A, B, and C, and was outlined shortly after European Union foreign ministers approved new sanctions directed at individuals and groups linked to settlement expansion in the West Bank.

He criticized the EU decision, accusing it of double standards, and argued that external pressure would not determine Israeli policy. He also stated that efforts should focus on expanding and reinforcing settlements, while asserting the need to strengthen control over the territory.

According to reports, Smotrich described the West Bank as a key security zone and warned against any attempts to limit Israeli influence there, saying such efforts would be met with serious consequences.

The broader context of the dispute relates to the Oslo Accords, which established a framework for limited Palestinian self-rule and divided the West Bank into administrative zones. Under these arrangements, Area C—comprising roughly 60% of the territory—remains under full Israeli control.

In response to the EU sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar defended settlement activity, framing it as historically and morally justified, according to statements cited in reports.

The developments come amid continued tensions surrounding settlement expansion, territorial control, and international criticism of policies in the occupied West Bank.

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