Israel Intensifies West Bank Control, Raising Fears of Wider Conflict
The West Bank is teetering on the brink of crisis as the Israeli government accelerates a de facto annexation, prompting concerns of renewed unrest and deepening diplomatic isolation. The moves, occurring against a backdrop of regional volatility – including ongoing conflict in Gaza, tensions in Lebanon, and instability in Syria – are raising alarm among international observers and prompting a strong rebuke from the United States.
Since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the subsequent military response, the Israeli government has steadily increased its presence in the West Bank, pressured the Palestinian Authority (PA), and expedited the approval of Jewish settlements, even retroactively legalizing previously unauthorized outposts. Acts of violence perpetrated by settlers have become increasingly frequent.
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved a series of measures that formalize this ongoing process, converting the de facto annexation into official policy. The timing, just prior to Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, has drawn criticism. The new measures will ease restrictions on land sales to settlers and grant Israel greater control over land use in areas of the West Bank previously administered by the PA. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated the goal is to “kill the idea of a Palestinian state.”
These actions threaten the viability of the PA, which could become insolvent within months, leading to the cessation of basic services for millions of Palestinians and the potential collapse of security cooperation with Israel – a collaboration that has, until now, helped prevent widespread unrest. The situation is particularly sensitive as Ramadan approaches, a period historically marked by heightened tensions around the al-Aqsa compound in East Jerusalem.
The current strategy is not accidental, according to analysis of Israeli government intentions. Influential ministers have long advocated for integrating the West Bank into Israel’s political and administrative structure. A 2017 plan authored by Smotrich outlined a roadmap for creating irreversible facts on the ground to prevent Palestinian statehood and force Palestinians to accept subordinate status or leave the West Bank.
While Netanyahu’s position on annexation has been described as ambiguous – he has repeatedly stated Israel does not seek full governance over Palestinian territories – his political survival depends on support from nationalist-religious voters, limiting his ability to restrain those pushing for annexation. Some observers believe an upcoming Israeli election could offer a chance to reset the country’s approach, but many argue that too much progress has been made to reverse, and the opposition has not presented a clear alternative.
If unchecked, the annexationist momentum risks renewed unrest, increased IDF mobilizations, further diplomatic isolation for Israel, and the burden of civil governance in the West Bank. It also jeopardizes the implementation of a U.S. Peace plan for Gaza, which relies on a reformed PA returning to govern that territory. Conditions on the ground are already making stabilization of Gaza increasingly difficult, potentially creating a permanent insurgency zone.
Breaking the Bank
For years, Israel’s security establishment in the West Bank operated on a set of principles: preventing Hamas from taking over, containing violence through intelligence, and relying on the PA’s security forces to prevent a large-scale insurgency. While IDF operations in the West Bank increased after October 7, security coordination with the PA initially helped disrupt militant networks and prevent attacks. According to the IDF, the number of “significant” terror attacks decreased from 397 in 2023 to 255 in 2024, and further to 54 in 2025.
However, elements within the Israeli government are actively working to destabilize the West Bank and weaken the PA. The settlement movement, bolstered by a disciplined voting bloc and key appointments within the government, has been instrumental in reshaping the status quo. Bezalel Smotrich’s appointment as both finance minister and a minister within the defense department has provided the movement with significant leverage.
Data from Tamrur Politography shows a significant increase in settlement expansion since 2023, with nearly twice as many housing units approved in 2025 as in 2019 and 2020. This represents a clear acceleration in both new approvals and the retroactive legalization of outposts.
These moves are not simply about increasing the number of Israelis living in the West Bank; they are fundamentally altering the territory by creating strategic corridors of control, expanding municipal jurisdictions, and linking settlements with infrastructure, hindering Palestinian authority and the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state.
The development of the “E1” corridor, connecting East Jerusalem to the settlement of Maale Adumim, is a prime example. Despite previous administrations refraining from substantial development due to its potential to sever the West Bank, the current government has fast-tracked the project, approving 3,400 homes in August 2025. Smotrich stated this action would “erase the Palestinian state from the table.” Similar projects are underway around Gush Etzion, Ariel, and Maale Adumim, while smaller outposts are proliferating throughout the territory.
The Israeli government is also shifting its language to legitimize previously illegal outposts, rebranding them as “security farms.” Defense Minister Israel Katz recently announced the legalization of around 140 unauthorized farming outposts, praising the settlers as “the pioneers of our days.”
Hostile Takeover
Alongside the expansion of settlements, there has been a sharp rise in violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, a trend tacitly approved by the Israeli government. Arson attacks, vandalism, and physical assaults have increased significantly in 2024 and 2025. According to IDF and Shin Bet statistics, settler attacks rose by 27 percent between 2024 and 2025, with severe incidents classified as terrorism increasing by over 50 percent.
Critically, enforcement of laws against settler violence has been inconsistent, with minimal investigations, rare prosecutions, and low conviction rates. The IDF has been reluctant to detain Jewish extremists, and the police, under Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, often turn a blind eye. In February 2026, the Israeli defense establishment reported more Jewish acts of terror against Palestinians than Palestinian acts of terror against Jews.
The Israeli government is also taking steps to stifle the PA’s economy and undermine its ability to operate effectively, slowing approvals for Palestinian construction projects and restricting Palestinians’ access to employment in Israel. Since May 2025, Israel has stopped transferring customs and tax revenue to the PA, further straining its finances.
The PA is now only able to pay partial salaries to its employees, leading to reduced services and a declining standard of living. The Israeli parliament has also pursued legislation tightening Israel’s control over the West Bank and weakening the PA.
Turn the Ship
The PA is flawed and fragile, but its collapse would be detrimental to Israel’s security and to any prospects for regional stability. The U.S. Peace plan for Gaza relies on a reformed PA returning to govern that territory. Washington and Israel’s Arab partners must pressure Israel to limit provocations during Ramadan and coordinate security with Jordan.
The U.S. Should also work with Israel to restore revenue transfers to the PA, halt anti-PA legislation, and enforce laws against settler violence. The PA must undertake reforms, increasing transparency, addressing corruption, and improving service delivery.
Amending the Paris Protocol, which gives Israel control over Palestinian tax revenues, could also boost the Palestinian economy. The U.S.-established “Board of Peace” for Gaza reconstruction could utilize the West Bank as a logistics hub, creating economic opportunities for Palestinians.
The current trajectory risks irreversible damage. The Israeli government is moving quickly to foreclose options, and relying on an election to reverse course is too risky. Immediate action is needed to prevent the destruction of Palestinian institutions and avert a wider crisis.
