Israeli Finance Minister Plans to Annex West Bank Settlements by 2025
Bezalel Smotrich sees Trump’s potential return as a pivotal opportunity
Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced intentions to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank by 2025, citing a potential second term for Donald Trump as a crucial moment for action.
Smotrich referred to the region as Judea and Samaria and instructed the director of settlement affairs in the defense ministry to prepare for applying sovereignty.
Israel has controlled the West Bank since 1967, but Palestinians claim it for a future state, viewing these settlements as obstacles to peace.
Smotrich praised Trump's past policies such as recognizing Golan Heights sovereignty and moving the US embassy to Jerusalem as promising precedents.
New Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed skepticism about Palestinian statehood, drawing condemnation from Palestinian authorities who stress the need for a two-state solution.
The West Bank houses approximately three million Palestinians and 500,000 Israelis in settlements deemed illegal under international law.
Smotrich referred to the region as Judea and Samaria and instructed the director of settlement affairs in the defense ministry to prepare for applying sovereignty.
Israel has controlled the West Bank since 1967, but Palestinians claim it for a future state, viewing these settlements as obstacles to peace.
Smotrich praised Trump's past policies such as recognizing Golan Heights sovereignty and moving the US embassy to Jerusalem as promising precedents.
New Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed skepticism about Palestinian statehood, drawing condemnation from Palestinian authorities who stress the need for a two-state solution.
The West Bank houses approximately three million Palestinians and 500,000 Israelis in settlements deemed illegal under international law.
