Jewish citizens will have easier access to land in the West Bank

On Sunday, Israel's security cabinet approved a series of measures that would make it easier for settlers in the occupied West Bank to purchase land and would also give Israeli authorities greater powers to enforce the law against Palestinians, according to Israeli media reports.

The West Bank is among the territories that Palestinians want as their future independent state. Much of it is under Israeli military control, with limited Palestinian self-rule in some areas.

Israeli news sites Ynet and Haaretz, citing statements by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz, said the measures include the repeal of decade-old regulations that prevent Jewish private citizens from buying land in the West Bank.

(reuters, im)