The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has condemned the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision to expand Israeli control over the West Bank. Issued on 9 February 2026, the statement says proposed changes to land, enforcement and administrative powers would damage efforts to advance peace, are inconsistent with international law, and should be reversed immediately. It reiterates the UK’s commitment to a negotiated two‑state solution. (gov.uk)
Reporting from international outlets indicates the Israeli measures include permitting Israeli citizens to purchase land directly in the West Bank, transferring certain planning responsibilities in parts of Hebron to Israeli authorities, expanding Israeli enforcement powers over environmental and archaeological matters in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority, republishing land registries, and reviving a state body to make proactive land acquisitions. The package has been driven by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and is framed by supporters as consolidating long‑term Israeli control. (ft.com)
The UK’s legal position, restated by the FCDO, is that unilateral steps that alter the geographic or demographic make‑up of Palestinian territory are unacceptable and inconsistent with international law. Ministers are calling for the decisions to be reversed and for a renewed focus on a viable, sovereign Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel. (gov.uk)
The United Nations Secretary‑General, through his spokesperson on 9 February, warned that the cabinet decision further erodes prospects for a two‑state solution and reiterated that Israeli settlements and their associated regime have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law, including relevant UN resolutions. (un.org)
Other governments have also registered concern. Media reporting notes opposition from the White House and condemnations from regional capitals including Jordan, while several Muslim‑majority states have described the measures as illegal. These reactions point to potential friction with partners who argue the steps undermine agreed frameworks for managing the West Bank. (theguardian.com)
The latest FCDO statement tracks closely with earlier UK language. On 24 December 2025 the UK joined partners in condemning settlement expansion, recalling opposition to annexation and referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2334. That joint text urged Israel to reverse settlement decisions-an appeal now repeated in light of the cabinet’s move. (gov.uk)
Policy Wire analysis: For UK officials, donors, NGOs and companies with exposure to the West Bank, the signal on 9–10 February is political rather than regulatory; the FCDO announced no new UK measures. However, if Israel implements the package described in press reporting, organisations should anticipate tighter Israeli oversight around land transactions, permitting and site enforcement, and review operational risk accordingly. (gov.uk)
On timing, the FCDO statement was published on 9 February 2026 and referred to a decision taken “yesterday,” i.e. 8 February in UK terms. The Financial Times reported the cabinet approval as occurring on 9 February, reflecting different reporting cut‑offs across jurisdictions. (gov.uk)