France demands 'Israel' reverse West Bank expansion
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- The French Foreign Minister urges 'Israel' to retract West Bank expansion plans.
- International backlash grows as policies threaten a two-state solution.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has called on 'Israel' to immediately retract recent decisions aimed at expanding control over the occupied West Bank, warning that the measures endanger the prospects for a Palestinian state.
Read more: 'Israel' targets 15% of area C in West Bank in first major land registration since 1967
The appeal follows the approval by 'Israel’s' security cabinet on February 8, 2026, of policies extending administrative and legal authority into Areas A and B, areas traditionally under Palestinian control. The new measures facilitate expanded land registration and property acquisition in the West Bank, a process not undertaken since 1967.
Expansion Drives Settlement Growth
The policies, promoted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, are intended to accelerate settlement development and assert what officials describe as "Jewish self-determination". Critics argue the move undermines the Oslo Accords by reversing planned transfers of authority to Palestinian institutions and consolidating de facto annexation.
Read more: Denmark, France strongly condemn ‘Israeli’ West Bank decisions
International Condemnation
France issued a strong condemnation on February 10, describing the decisions as contrary to international law and a "serious attack" on peace efforts.
The French Foreign Ministry emphasized opposition to any form of annexation and urged cancellation of projects that could divide the West Bank.
The stance aligns with broader international criticism, including a joint statement from over 80 UN member states calling for an immediate reversal.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese warned that the measures could constitute aggression under international law, further entrenching what the International Court of Justice deems an illegal occupation.
The European Union echoed these concerns, labeling the expansion a "gradual de facto annexation" and calling for a halt to land registration processes that violate global norms.
UN officials noted that such steps threaten regional stability and the viability of Palestinian self-determination.
'Israel' Defends Actions
‘Israeli’ Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar defended the policies, claiming that foreign criticism ignores historical claims and that the Jewish presence in the West Bank does not violate international law.
He stressed that the measures address security threats and rejected calls to restrict Jewish settlement rights as discriminatory.
Diplomatic Pressure Intensifies
These developments come amid stalled peace talks and new approvals for additional settlements, complicating prospects for a two-state resolution.
