Nigeria, Feb. 10 -- Israel's move to tighten its control on the West Bank by repealing its land laws and opening confidential land registries has drawn criticism from the international community, including the United States, which is its strongest ally.

Last Sunday, the Israeli security cabinet approved a series of steps aimed at making it easier for settlers in the occupied West Bank to buy land. These steps also granted Israeli authorities more enforcement powers over Palestinians.

Although the West Bank is currently under Israeli military control, it is considered part of Palestine under international law. Palestinians also view the West Bank as a part of the territories that should form their independent state.

Israel, in a bid to ...