Israel has annexed nearly 1,000 acres of the occupied West Bank, the largest land grab in 30 years, according to activists.
The unexpected move is likely to be a precursor to illegal settlement construction. Palestinian officials warned that it would further hinder any chance of restarting stalled peace talks.
Israel declared as “state land” 988 acres (400ha) in the Gush Etzion region, southwest of Bethlehem. The Israeli organisation Peace Now called it an “unprecedented” land grab. A senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation said it was a step towards “liquidating” its national movement.
The decision appeared to catch even some Israeli officials by surprise. Yair Lapid, the finance minister, said that he was not told of it in advance. “We are against any swift