Germany Criticizes Israeli West Bank Plans as 'De Facto Annexation'

Germany Condemns Israeli West Bank Measures

Germany on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, issued strong criticism against Israel's recent plans to tighten its control over the occupied West Bank, describing the actions as 'a further step toward de facto annexation' and a clear violation of international law. This condemnation aligns with growing international concern over the implications of these Israeli policies.

A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin stated, 'Israel remains an occupying power in the West Bank, and as an occupying power it is a violation of international law to build settlements, including transferring certain administrative functions to civilian Israeli authorities.' The German Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman further told Anadolu that the announcement 'contravenes Israel's obligations under international law and represents a further obstacle on the path to a two-state solution.'

Details of Israeli Plans and Their Impact

The Israeli plans that drew German and international criticism involve a series of measures aimed at altering the legal and civil framework within the West Bank to strengthen Israeli control. These include:

• Repealing a law that previously barred the sale of land in the West Bank to private Israeli individuals.
• Unsealing land ownership records in the territory.
• Shifting authority for building permits in a settlement bloc near Hebron from a Palestinian municipality to Israel's civil administration.
• Allowing Jewish Israelis to directly purchase West Bank land.
• Extending greater Israeli control over areas currently under the Palestinian Authority's jurisdiction.

Earlier, in January 2026, Germany had also criticized Israel's plans to build thousands of new housing units in the occupied West Bank, specifically highlighting the E1 settlement project. German government human rights commissioner Lars Castellucci warned that the E1 project is a 'clear violation of international law' and would 'divide the West Bank and further complicate a negotiated two-state solution.'

Widespread International Condemnation

The German criticism is part of a broader international backlash. The European Union, along with countries such as France, the UK, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, have also condemned Israel's recent decisions. The EU stated that these measures are 'counterproductive and incompatible with international law' and risk 'undermining ongoing international efforts' for stabilization and peace. The EU reiterated its long-standing position of not recognizing Israel's sovereignty over territories occupied since June 1967.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk stated on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, that Israel's plans are a step toward consolidating illegal annexation and would render a viable Palestinian state impossible. Turk emphasized that these decisions would 'accelerate the dispossession of Palestinians and their forcible transfer,' leading to more illegal settlements and further depriving Palestinians of their natural resources and human rights.

Violation of International Law and Threat to Two-State Solution

The international community largely views Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law. Furthermore, any annexation of territory acquired by force is considered illegal. Critics argue that these latest Israeli measures constitute 'creeping annexation' and severely undermine the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution, which envisions an independent, democratic, contiguous, and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security.