Saudi Arabia, 18 Nations Condemn Israeli Expansion of Control Over West Bank

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has joined 18 other nations, as well as the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in issuing a strong condemnation of recent Israeli measures expanding control over the West Bank.

In a joint statement, foreign ministers from 19 countries described the Israeli decisions — including reclassifying Palestinian land as so-called state land, accelerating settlement expansion, and further entrenching administrative control — as clear violations of international law. The signatories stated that such actions represent a trajectory toward de facto annexation and undermine prospects for a peaceful resolution.

The statement was endorsed by foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Brazil, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Egypt, Jordan, Luxembourg, Norway, Palestine, Portugal, Qatar, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Türkiye. The secretaries general of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also supported the declaration.

The ministers emphasized that Israeli settlements and policies designed to expand them violate previous United Nations Security Council resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice. They warned that the measures threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state and weaken efforts aimed at regional peace and stability.

Particular concern was expressed over accelerated settlement approvals, including developments linked to the E1 project, which critics argue would significantly fragment Palestinian territorial continuity in the West Bank. The joint statement rejected any steps aimed at altering the demographic composition or legal status of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.

The ministers called on Israel to immediately reverse the recent decisions, respect its international obligations, and refrain from actions that could permanently alter the legal and administrative status of the occupied Palestinian territory. They also urged an end to settler violence against Palestinians and demanded accountability for those responsible.

In addition, the statement stressed the importance of maintaining the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem’s holy sites, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, and recognized the special custodial role held by Jordan’s Hashemite leadership over Islamic and Christian holy places in the city.

The ministers further called for the immediate transfer of withheld Palestinian tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority, describing the funds as essential for providing basic services in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Reaffirming their commitment to a just and lasting peace, the signatories reiterated support for a Two-State Solution based on the June 4, 1967 lines and consistent with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions. They emphasized that a comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains central to long-term regional peace, stability and integration.