Israel has announced new rules to tighten control over parts of the West Bank. These measures aim to strengthen Israeli settlements and block the formation of an independent Palestinian state. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz declared, "We will continue to kill the idea of a Palestinian state." The changes include easier land ownership checks and allowing non-Arabs to buy property, repealing an old law banning the sale of land to them. Power over building licenses in Hebron is shifting from the Palestinian municipality to the Israeli civil administration, and Jewish settlements like the one near Rachel’s Tomb will come under direct Israeli control. The European Union called these steps "another step in the wrong direction" and warned sanctions, including trade suspension, were "still on the table." A joint statement by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Turkey strongly condemned the moves as illegal and risky for regional stability. The UK also "strongly condemns" the attempts and demands Israel reverse the decisions immediately. A White House official made clear that President Trump does not support annexing the West Bank, saying, "A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region." These steps could further weaken the Palestinian Authority, which already struggles with limited control and resources. The Palestinian Authority warned the changes are meant to deepen Israel’s attempt to annex the West Bank. The measures came just before a planned meeting between Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.