State of the World from NPR Is Israel Redrawing the Map of the West Bank?
Dec 2, 2025
Lauren Freyer, an NPR correspondent specializing in the West Bank, shares her on-the-ground insights into the ongoing tensions. She highlights the impact of Israeli checkpoints on daily life, with students facing delays. Freyer discusses the declaration of new seam zones, increasing fears of annexation among Palestinians, and the rapid expansion of settlements. She reveals how land seizures have escalated during the Gaza conflict, affecting Palestinian communities and their access to resources. The perspectives she gathers paint a stark picture of uncertainty for the future.
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Daily Commute Stopped By Changing Checkpoints
- Teachers and students face long delays at military checkpoints that change rules frequently.
- Teacher Sahar Mansour and Dina Raddad recount needing new permits and long commutes through closed gates.
Seam Zone Designation Tightens Control
- Israel designated Beit Iqsa a seam zone, requiring permits for any movement in or out.
- Palestinians see the permit regime as a step toward annexation and loss of land and access to Jerusalem.
Annexation Seen As Gradual, Practical Process
- Far-right lawmakers pushed a preliminary annexation vote, yet the government says annexation isn't official policy.
- Palestinians argue annexation has been happening incrementally for decades through checkpoints, restrictions and settlements.