Israel is preparing a series of punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank, including steps to extend sovereignty over parts of the territory, accelerate work on the contentious “E1” project, and potentially evacuate the Bedouin community of Khan al-Ahmar.
Additional measures under discussion include seizing further Palestinian funds and advancing the so-called “Hebron Emirate” plan.
The moves come as several countries are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state next month.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will bring the proposals to his security cabinet on Sunday. He reportedly discussed the Hebron initiative in an earlier meeting on Friday. The broadcaster said the cabinet is likely to debate “extending Israeli sovereignty over areas of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).”
Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, urged Netanyahu to act without delay. “Judea and Samaria are Israel’s first line of defense,” he said, warning against the creation of “a terrorist Palestinian state minutes away from Kfar Saba and Netanya.”
Analysts say the measures represent a dramatic policy shift. Beyond undermining prospects for a Palestinian state, they could significantly weaken the PA, fragmenting Palestinian society into isolated enclaves.
In anticipation, the Israeli military is preparing to deploy reserve forces in the West Bank during September, coinciding with the Jewish holiday season and rising international momentum toward recognition of Palestinian statehood. Security officials anticipate heightened tensions.
The E1 project - recently approved by Israel’s Civil Administration planning council - aims to link Jerusalem with the large Ma’ale Adumim settlement, effectively bisecting the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed it as a “historic step that dispels the illusion of two states and strengthens the Jewish people’s grip on the heart of Israel.”
The plan also envisions the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar, home to about 200 Bedouin Palestinians. Israel’s Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld demolition orders, though successive governments have delayed enforcement due to international pressure.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has revived the controversial “Hebron Emirate” concept. Backed by Economy Minister Nir Barkat, the plan envisions replacing PA officials with local clan leaders to establish a semi-autonomous entity in Al-Khalil (Hebron) that would recognize Israel as a Jewish state and potentially join the Abraham Accords. Barkat has reportedly held a dozen meetings with tribal elders since February.
The Israeli measures come against the backdrop of US restrictions on Palestinian diplomats. Washington has reportedly revoked visas for members of the PA’s UN mission - including President Mahmoud Abbas - ahead of next month’s UN General Assembly in New York.
At the same time, several countries - including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Luxembourg, Portugal, and San Marino - are preparing to recognize a Palestinian state during a conference at the UN convened by France and Saudi Arabia. Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Norway have already announced similar positions.
The Palestinian leadership condemned the US move, with Abbas’ office urging Washington to reverse its decision and allow the delegation to attend the UN session.
