Israel's security cabinet approves measures to strengthen control over the West Bank

Israel's security cabinet has approved measures to strengthen control over the occupied West Bank and weaken the powers of the Palestinian Authority. On Sunday, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced decisions that make it easier for Jewish settlers to acquire land. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the move "dangerous" and urged international intervention. The measures include canceling restrictions on land sales to Israelis and transferring construction planning in Hebron to Israeli authorities. Peace Now, an anti-settlement group, criticized the decision as a "massive land grab." The international community views Israeli settlements as illegal and a barrier to peace.