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Israel Approves Reforms to Normalize Civilian Life for Jewish Residents in Judea and Samaria
(TPS-Jerusalem Post) Pesach Benson - Israel's Security Cabinet on Sunday approved a set of measures on land policy, planning authority, and enforcement powers to normalize civilian life for Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria. Land registries in these areas had been kept confidential, a situation that created legal uncertainty, hindered purchases, and enabled fraud. These records will now be made public. A Jordanian-era law that barred the sale of land to Jews was repealed. Special permit requirements and restrictions on sales to foreigners were removed, allowing Jews to buy property under conditions similar to those in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. The authority for building licenses in the Jewish areas of Hebron was transferred from the Palestinian Hebron Municipality to Israel's Civil Administration. Israeli supervision and enforcement activities were expanded in Areas A and B of the Palestinian Authority with regard to water, environmental hazards, and damage to archaeological sites. For years, ancient heritage sites have been damaged or erased due to quarrying, unregulated construction, and a lack of enforcement. The measures will also confront severe environmental pollution originating from waste burning and other environmental hazards in Palestinian areas that harm many Israeli citizens. A dedicated Israeli municipal administration for the Rachel's Tomb complex, a Jewish holy site located within the municipal boundaries of Bethlehem, will be responsible for sanitation, maintenance, landscaping, and daily operations at the site. Defense Minister Israel Katz said, "We are committed to removing barriers, creating legal and civil certainty, and enabling residents to live, build, and develop as equals to all citizens of Israel."