Roughly a month ago, a significant yet quiet transition took place.

The Civil Administration of the Israeli military transferred further control over the West Bank to the Settlements Administration, led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who resides in an unlawful settlement.

Currently, Smotrich and his Settlements Administration oversee several areas, including construction regulations and the supervision of farmland, parks, and forests.

Since assuming office, Smotrich has openly promoted enhanced Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank—acts considered illegal under international legislation—as part of steps towards annexation.

But what are the broader implications?

What is the Settlements Administration?

Initially formed in February 2023 following extensive political negotiations between Smotrich and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Settlements Administration now oversees the monitoring of illegal constructions in the West Bank.

This means illegal settlements or outposts might be disregarded and later legalized, while Palestinian constructions face strict permit requirements and frequent demolitions.

How did Smotrich manage this?

Smotrich and his far-right ally, Itamar Ben-Gvir, lead a coalition of extreme right and ultra-Orthodox parties supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Leveraging this influence, Smotrich negotiated control over Israeli expansion into occupied territories.

So, what was the significance of the May 29 army handover?

This handover enforced a set of bylaws by the Settlements Administration, simplifying illegal settlement expansion significantly.

Didn't Israel already control the West Bank?

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, along with Gaza and East Jerusalem, marking the most prolonged military occupation in contemporary history.

Even so, occupation is subject to regulations.

International law prohibits the occupying country from moving its civilian population into the occupied territory. This was reaffirmed by Israel's Supreme Court in 2005.

Despite this, illegal settlements continued to emerge on seized land, and armed settlers, often backed by security forces, frequently attacked Palestinians to seize more land.

How many Palestinians reside in the West Bank?

According to the US government, the population stands at three million.

Many families have lived in their homes or on their farms for generations, sometimes centuries.

Traditional farming, especially olive and fruit cultivation, is a source of pride and cultural identity. Some Palestinian tribes are shepherds, historically traveling across their land for grazing.

However, settler attacks often target farmers and shepherds, who live in small, peaceful communities susceptible to armed settler aggression, often backed by police forces.

This has forced many Palestinians to relocate to urban areas, taking up low-paying jobs in construction and other unskilled labor.

What will happen to them now?

Conditions are likely to worsen.

Besides broad arrest campaigns since Israel's assault on Gaza on October 7, the frequency of settler attacks aimed at displacing Palestinian families from their land has surged.

Over 500 Palestinians have lost their lives in these attacks in the West Bank.

Movement restrictions have intensified with Israel increasing the number of fixed and mobile checkpoints and settlers setting up impromptu roadblocks.

This hampers Palestinians' ability to commute to work, run businesses, visit family, or even engage in simple leisure activities like picnics.

The increased leniency towards illegal settlements and intensified crackdown on Palestinian construction under Smotrich’s Administration make the future appear grim.

Is this annexation?

Annexing the occupied West Bank is indeed a goal for Smotrich and his political ally, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Securing control over the Civil Administration is seen as a significant step towards that aim.