JERUSALEM: Israel is contemplating annexation in the occupied West Bank as a potential response to France and different international locations recognising a Palestinian state, in response to three Israeli officers and the thought shall be mentioned additional on Sunday (Aug 31), one other official stated.
Extension of Israeli sovereignty to the West Financial institution, de facto annexation of land captured within the 1967 Center East warfare, was on the agenda for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s safety cupboard assembly late on Sunday that’s anticipated to give attention to the Gaza warfare, a member of the small circle of ministers stated.
It’s unclear the place exactly any such measure could be utilized and when, whether or not solely in Israeli settlements or a few of them, or in particular areas of the West Financial institution just like the Jordan Valley and whether or not any concrete steps, which might doubtless entail a prolonged legislative course of, would observe discussions.
Any step towards annexation within the West Financial institution would doubtless draw widespread condemnation from the Palestinians, who search the territory for a future state, in addition to Arab and Western international locations. It’s unclear the place US President Donald Trump stands on the matter. The White Home and State Division didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
A spokesperson for Israeli Overseas Minister Gideon Saar didn’t reply to a request for touch upon whether or not Saar had mentioned the transfer together with his US counterpart Marco Rubio throughout his go to to Washington final week.
Netanyahu’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon whether or not the prime minister helps annexation and if that’s the case, the place.
