LIVE: Israel approves measures to expand its powers in occupied West Bank

Israel's security cabinet has approved measures aimed at expanding its control over the occupied West Bank, which will facilitate the purchase of land by Israeli settlers and enhance enforcement of Israeli laws in the region. These changes are seen by Palestinians as a means to legalize settlements and further entrench Israeli governance in the territory. The measures were announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz, who emphasized the intent to strengthen Israeli authority while diminishing the already limited powers of the Palestinian Authority. The newly approved regulations will remove longstanding restrictions that previously barred Jewish citizens from purchasing land in the West Bank. This policy shift is expected to pave the way for increased settlement expansion, which has been a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Smotrich's office stated that the government intends to "continue to bury the idea of a Palestinian state," indicating a clear direction towards consolidating Israeli claims over the territory. The implications of these measures are significant, as they are viewed as a step towards deeper de facto annexation of the West Bank. Critics argue that these actions will exacerbate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, as they may lead to further displacement of Palestinian communities and a reduction in their rights. The Israeli government's approach reflects a broader strategy to assert control over the region amidst ongoing disputes regarding land ownership and sovereignty.