The West Bank is considered a territory under Israeli military occupation since 1967, but its ownership and control are complex and divided. The territory is internationally recognized as occupied Palestinian territory, with Israel controlling about 60% of the area (Area C), including settlements and security, while the Palestinian Authority exercises civil and security control in approximately 40% of the area, divided into Areas A and B. East Jerusalem, part of the West Bank, was effectively annexed by Israel in 1980. Jordan ruled the West Bank from 1949 until 1967 but relinquished claims in 1988. The Palestinian Authority governs Palestinian population centers, but the territory remains disputed and is a core issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ownership and Control Breakdown

• Israel : Controls Area C (~60% of the West Bank), where it holds security and administrative authority, including control over Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law. Israel also administers the West Bank through its Ministry of Defense's Civil Administration.
• Palestinian Authority : Governs Areas A and B (~40%), with full civil and security control in Area A, and shared security control in Area B.
• Jordan : Previously annexed the West Bank from 1949-1967 but renounced claims in 1988.
• International View : The international community considers the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, occupied territory under international law, with ongoing disputes about Israeli settlement policies and sovereignty.

Thus, no single entity fully owns the West Bank; control is divided between Israel and the Palestinian Authority under a complex and disputed legal and political framework.