EU and UN condemn Israel's land registration changes in the West Bank

On February 11, 2026, the European Union and the United Nations expressed strong opposition to the Israeli security council's decision to modify land registration and property acquisition procedures in the West Bank. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, along with Commissioners Dubravka Šuica and Hadja Lahbib, issued a joint statement describing the measures as counterproductive and incompatible with international law. The EU reaffirmed its non-recognition of Israeli sovereignty over territories occupied since June 1967 and emphasized its commitment to a two-state solution. Simultaneously, the UN High Commissioner warned that these changes, announced over the weekend, represent a step toward illegal annexation. The new regulations repeal a law that previously prohibited Israeli settlers from purchasing land directly in the West Bank. Analysts suggest the measures could accelerate settlement expansion and restrict the Palestinian population to isolated urban enclaves. International officials maintain that these actions undermine ongoing efforts to establish a continuous and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.