On January 19, 2026, Israeli Army Orders Tree Removal, Land Seizure in Kafr Malik

The Israeli army has issued a military order to clear tree cover and seize Palestinian-owned land across 35 dunams in Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah. Maps attached to the order mark the targeted plots in red, including agricultural lands owned by local residents. The order authorizes uprooting trees—including olive trees—and allows the army to carry out the operation immediately, while giving landowners only 24 hours to file objections through the Liaison and Coordination Directorate.

On Tuesday, January 19, Israeli forces, accompanied by a military bulldozer, invaded Kafr Malik, leveling land and uprooting trees in accordance with the order. The operation followed a recent pattern of military interventions in the area, including bulldozing roads and tightening restrictions on movement.

Israeli forces also established roadblocks in nearby areas north of Ramallah, including Ein Siniya, Turmus Ayya, and the road between Silwad and Yabrud, disrupting daily life and access to farmland.

Local impact:

More than 10 families will be affected by this arbitrary measure targeting agricultural land under security pretexts. The village council, in coordination with the landowners, is pursuing legal action to challenge the order.

Wider context:

Much of Kafr Malik’s land lies in Area C, under full Israeli control, making residents vulnerable to land seizures, demolition orders, and destruction of agricultural plots. Agriculture, especially olive cultivation, is the backbone of the village economy, supporting dozens of families. Similar operations have been reported in neighboring villages such as Al-Mughayyer and Deir Jarir, reflecting a broader trend of expanding settlement infrastructure and limiting Palestinian presence in rural areas east of Ramallah.

Recurring Israeli forces raids on the town:

Since the beginning of January, the town of Kafr Malik has been raided several times each week. Vehicles and homes have been searched, tear gas canisters fired in the streets, and youths detained. On January 16, Israeli forces abducted three Palestinian children after raiding and searching their family homes as part of a detention campaign across the West Bank.