PA Suspends Land Deals for Arab Israelis After Jewish Purchases in Jericho

Key points

• The PA suspended land transactions for Israeli citizens and Jerusalem residents last week, citing the purchase of eight homes by Jewish activists near Jericho.
• The properties are located in Area C, under full Israeli civil and security control, raising questions about the PA’s legal authority to intervene.
• Palestinian law classifies the sale of land to Israeli Jews as treason, punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• The suspension introduced a new distinction by targeting Arab citizens of Israel based on their Israeli citizenship, a departure from previous PA practices.
• The restriction was temporary and has since been lifted, but it highlights tensions over the PA’s jurisdiction over Arab Israelis.

Background

This development follows a period of heightened tension in the West Bank, including a surge in settler violence documented by the UN in 2026. The PA has also postponed elections to 2027, extending a two-decade voting freeze, which has eroded its credibility with international donors. Additionally, the PA has previously attempted to prosecute Israeli Arabs for alleged roles in land transfers to Jews, despite the Oslo Accords excluding Israeli citizens from its personal jurisdiction.

Why it matters

The PA’s temporary suspension of land deals for Arab Israelis signals a potential shift in its approach to Arab citizens of Israel, who are often viewed as Palestinians regardless of their integration into Israeli society. This move could have broader implications for the PA’s relationship with Arab Israelis and its legal standing under the Oslo Accords, which exclude Israeli citizens from its jurisdiction. It also raises questions about the PA’s authority to intervene in Area C, where the properties are located, and could influence future policies regarding land transfers and Palestinian identity.

What to watch

The PA is expected to monitor the situation and may face pressure from international actors to clarify its jurisdictional limits. The Israeli government may respond to the PA’s actions, potentially leading to further diplomatic tensions. The PA’s credibility with international donors could be affected if it is seen to overreach its jurisdiction, especially given the recent postponement of elections and the ongoing security challenges in the region.