Palestinians, Arab countries, Israeli anti-occupation groups and the UK have condemned new steps approved by Israel's security cabinet for the occupied West Bank, saying they amount to de facto annexation. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the moves that would make it easier for Jewish settlers to take over Palestinian land. 'We will continue to kill the idea of a Palestinian state,' he stated. All settlements are seen as illegal under international law. The measures aim to increase Israeli control over the territory in terms of property law, planning, licensing, and enforcement. They were announced three days ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Washington. During 2025, the UN reported settlements in the West Bank expanding at an unprecedented rate, leading to significant displacement of Palestinians. The measures include canceling a prohibition on direct sales of West Bank land to Jews and decreasing oversight intended to prevent fraud in real estate transactions. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized the measures as 'dangerous' and urged immediate intervention from the US and UN Security Council. Critics, including the NGO Peace Now and UK officials, claim these policies risk exacerbating tensions and further infringing on Palestinian rights.