The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Israel moves to take over biblical sites in West Bank
Feb 18, 2026
Rossella Tercatin, religion and archaeology reporter focused on heritage sites and Western Wall controversies, and Jeremy Sharon, settlements reporter tracking West Bank land policy and expansion, discuss moves to expand Israeli civilian control in Area C. They cover a revived land registration process, legal debates over de facto annexation, proposals to transfer archaeology oversight, and delays in upgrading the Western Wall egalitarian plaza.
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Administrative Steps Toward De Facto Annexation
- The Israeli government is taking overt administrative steps that deepen permanent control over the West Bank.
- Jeremy Sharon says these steps — land registry renewal and easing purchases — move beyond temporary occupation into de facto permanence.
Unprecedented Settlement Expansion
- Settlement expansion under the current government is unprecedented in scale with both new settlements and legalized outposts.
- Jeremy Sharon reports 69 new settlements and at least 50,000 approved new housing units boosting Israeli presence on the ground.
Occupation Rules Are Eroding, Experts Say
- Key elements of belligerent occupation (temporary rule, benefit to local population, military administration) are eroding according to critics.
- Jeremy Sharon argues civilian control shifts and policies like declaring state land undermine the occupation's temporary and beneficent character.