Israel expands restrictions on Palestinian land in West Bank

Israel has issued dozens of military orders affecting privately owned Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of 2026.

Israel has issued dozens of military orders affecting privately owned Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of 2026.

The Palestinian Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission said 49 orders have targeted around 2,093 dunams of land, equal to nearly 517 acres.

The commission said the orders were issued on security grounds. However, they have created major restrictions on Palestinian landowners.

The measures do not officially confiscate the land. But they limit access and prevent many owners from using their property freely.

The orders allow authorities to remove or cut trees, restrict movement and stop agricultural activities on the affected land.

According to the commission, many of the targeted areas are located near Israeli settlements, military locations, settlement roads and the separation barrier.

The commission said these actions are increasing Israeli control over Palestinian areas without formally changing land ownership.

It reported that the number of such orders has increased compared with last year. In 2025, 47 orders affected around 1,613 dunams, while 49 orders were issued during the first half of 2026.

The commission also accused Israeli forces and settlers of carrying out thousands of attacks in the West Bank during the first six months of 2026.

It said the reported incidents included attacks on Palestinian communities, property damage, land seizures, shootings and the creation of new settlement outposts.

The situation in the West Bank has become more tense since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Palestinian officials say military operations, arrests and violence have increased across the territory.