Israeli authorities issue order to seize 74 acres East of Bethlehem

The Palestinian Authority’s Commission Against the Wall and Settlements announced that Israeli authorities have issued a military order to seize approximately 74 acres of privately owned Palestinian land in the Jabal al-Fureidis (Herodion) area east of Bethlehem. According to the commission, the order targets land belonging to the Arab al-Ta’amra community and was issued under the stated justification of “expropriation for public purposes” and the development of an archaeological site. The head of the commission, Mu’ayyad Sha’ban, said the measure represents the third land expropriation order issued by Israeli authorities since the beginning of 2026. He stated that the order forms part of what the commission describes as an accelerated policy aimed at expanding legal and administrative control over Palestinian […]