Germany condemns Israeli moves to tighten West Bank control

2026-02-09 - 21:15

Germany has issued a formal criticism of Israel's recent decisions to bolster its control in the occupied West Bank. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that the measures contravene Israel's obligations under international law and represent a significant obstacle to achieving a two-state solution. Legal objections and policy stance The German government emphasized that international law defines Israel as the occupying power in the West Bank, which prohibits the transfer of a civilian population into occupied territory. The spokesperson further argued that shifting administrative activities to Israeli civil authorities contradicts the principle that occupation must be temporary. "The German government’s position is clear, namely that the West Bank is an integral part of a future Palestinian state," the official said. Details of the Israeli measures The criticism follows the approval of new regulations by Israel's Security Cabinet on Sunday. According to Israeli media reports, the measures include repealing a law that prevented the sale of West Bank land to private Israeli individuals, unsealing land ownership records, and transferring authority for building permits in a settlement bloc near Hebron from Palestinian to Israeli civil administration. These steps are seen as efforts to formalize and deepen Israeli control over the territory. Broader diplomatic implications The German statement reflects growing international concern over actions perceived as entrenching a permanent Israeli presence in the West Bank. As a key European ally of Israel, Germany's public rebuke carries diplomatic weight and underscores the tension between supporting Israel's security and upholding a commitment to a negotiated peace based on a two-state framework. The move is likely to further strain Israel's relations with several European partners.