Israeli government decisions in February 2026 expanded civilian administrative powers over West Bank Area C through land registration as state property, eased settler land purchases, and shifted oversight from military to Israeli ministries, accelerating integration of territory. These steps followed earlier settlement approvals and a Knesset bill creating a heritage authority in the region. In July 2026, the UN human rights office highlighted intensified settler violence and administrative actions consistent with ongoing annexation amid stalled diplomatic efforts. Finance Minister Smotrich and other coalition figures continue to advocate formal sovereignty extension, while procedural and international constraints remain factors in timing. No binding declaration of annexation has occurred as of mid-August 2026.