The Inside Story Podcast How is Israel making it easier for settlers to seize land in the West Bank?
Feb 16, 2026
Simon Mabon, a Middle East politics professor, offers academic analysis. Mohammad Dahleh, a human rights lawyer, advocates for Palestinian land rights. Mitchell Barak, former Netanyahu aide, provides a pro-government view. They debate Israel’s land registration changes in the West Bank. Discussions cover legal mechanisms, risks to Palestinian ownership, political motives, and potential for unrest.
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Area C Is Presented As Israeli-Controlled
- Mitchell Barak argues Area C is under full Israeli control and registering land is a long administrative process.
- He frames the cabinet decision as responding to Palestinian Authority registrations that violated Oslo accords.
Registration Seen As Land Annexation Step
- Mohammad Dahleh says the move aims to annex land for settlers while excluding Palestinians.
- He warns registering state land will suffocate Palestinians in Areas A and B and end the Oslo peace process.
Legal Tools Used For De Facto Annexation
- Simon Mabon calls the decision a worrying de facto annexation using legal mechanisms.
- He notes international leaders and the EU have condemned the move as illegal.