Israel’s new Palestinian land-grab law

Published: 7 February 2017

Last updated: 4 March 2024

Left-wing NGO Peace Now estimates some 4,000 homes are affected, while right-wing NGO Regavim puts the number at about half that figure. The Jerusalem Post, a centre-right paper, accepts the Peace Now estimate in its report below, as do most other sources. A Knesset member in Netanyahu's own Likud party, Benny Begin, son of former prime minister Menachem Begin, speaking before the vote, labelled it ‘the robbery bill’. Israel’s Attorney-General is considering testifying against the law before the High Court of Justice.

Israel passes contentious Palestinian land-grab bill in late night vote – Jonathan Lis & Barak Ravid – Haaretz 06.02.17
Right praises vote as 'historic day for the settlement movement' | Bill allows Israel to declare private Palestinian land state property | Israeli opposition warns: bill will land Israel in The Hague.

Knesset passes historic law legalising 4,000 settler homes – Tovah Lazaroff, Udi Shaham & Gil Hoffman – The Jerusalem Post 06.02.17
For first time, the Knesset has sought to impose Israeli law in Area C of the West Bank. The legislation runs counter to almost 40 years of Israeli judicial rulings against the construction of homes on private Palestinian property.

Explained: Israel's new Palestinian land-grab law and why it matters - Allison Kaplan Sommer – Haaretz 06.02.17
What does the new law change, who is affected and why is it such a big deal?

BICOM Briefing | The Regulation Law – February 2017

US Jewish groups slam Israel’s move to legalize West Bank outposts – The Times of Israel 07.02.17
ADL, AJC express disappointment with ‘misguided’ Regulation Bill, call to address issue in ‘manner consistent with Israeli, international laws’.

Germany bashes Israel: Land-grab law deeply shakes our faith in Israel's commitment to peace – Barak Ravid – Haaretz 08.02.17
'Our trust in the Israeli government's commitment to the two-state solution has been fundamentally shaken,' German Foreign Ministry spokesperson says.

UN Secretary General: Israel's land-grab law in contravention of international law – Barak Ravid – Haaretz 07.02.17
Antonio Guterres joins France, U.K., Jordan and Turkey in condemning so-called 'Regularisation Law,' saying it will have far-reaching legal consequences for Israel.

EU delays summit with Israel over settlement buildup and land-grab law – Barak Ravid – Haaretz 07.02.17
Reservations by France, Sweden, Ireland, The Netherlands and Finland result in postponement of summit, which would have signalled thaw in Israel, EU relations. US official says. Washington will wait for Israeli Court ruling before responding to land-grab law. Mogherini to discuss Israeli-Palestinian conflict with senior members of Trump administration.

Palestinians: Israel's new land-grab law kills two-state solution – Jack Khoury – Haaretz 07.02.17
Dr Saeb Erekat: ‘Nobody should have doubts about the Israeli government’s will to destroy any chances for a political solution. It is overdue time to stop treating Israel as a state above the law.’ Adalah - the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, and Peace Now, have each said they challenge the law in the High Court.

And see: Will 1967 Palestinian refugees ever return? – Akiva Eldar – Al-Monitor 22.09.16
A 2005 report by Israel’s state comptroller general included a warning by the office in charge of abandoned property in the territories against handing over private Palestinian lands, including those of absentee owners, to Jewish settlers.