Israeli settlement expansion and restrictions in East القدس

Israeli authorities have continued land seizure operations in the Jerusalem governorate, specifically targeting areas in Abu Dis, Arab Swehra, and Al-Eizariya. In late August 2026, approximately 370 dunams were declared “government property” to facilitate the establishment of the Mishmar Yehuda settlement. This follows a significant declaration in December 2025, bringing the total land allocated for the project to roughly 3,750 dunams for a planned settlement city containing 3,600 housing units.

By early September 2026, local authorities reported an escalation of these measures, linking land confiscations to the expansion of the Ma'ale Adumim settlement and the E1 planning scheme. Beyond land seizures, which threaten the displacement of over 112 Bedouin families, officials noted increased tensions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Reports indicate a surge in expulsion orders against Palestinians and an increase in settler incursions. Additionally, the situation has extended to the education sector, where attempts to implement Israeli curricula in East Jerusalem schools have met with protests and class suspensions from Palestinian students and educators.