The announcement by Smotrich signals a significant shift in Israeli policy towards the West Bank, potentially leading to increased tensions in the region.
The reliance on US political support under Trump highlights the geopolitical dynamics influencing Israel's actions regarding Palestinian territories.
The legal status of settlements remains contentious, with international bodies consistently opposing Israeli claims of legality.
If the annexation proceeds as planned, it could lead to heightened violence and unrest in the West Bank, as Palestinian resistance groups may escalate their actions against Israeli forces and settlers.
The international community may respond with increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, potentially leading to sanctions or other measures aimed at curbing settlement expansion.
The two-state solution could become increasingly unattainable, leading to a reevaluation of peace strategies by both Palestinian and Israeli leaders.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced plans to consolidate the annexation of the West Bank, declaring 2025 as the year of sovereignty for Israel over these territories. This announcement follows a leaked recording from June, revealing Smotrich's intentions to thwart Palestinian statehood efforts. The return of US President-elect Donald Trump is seen as a catalyst for these plans, with Israel anticipating less international pressure to achieve its goals, similar to actions taken during Trump's previous presidency.
The West Bank is divided into three areas under the Oslo Accords: Area A (Palestinian Authority control), Area B (joint control), and Area C (Israeli control). The continued expansion of Israeli settlements, particularly in Area C, threatens the Palestinian Authority's ability to govern effectively, leading to further annexation of Palestinian lands. Currently, there are about 144 recognized settlements and over 100 illegal outposts in the West Bank, many of which are protected by the Israeli army despite lacking government permits.
Smotrich's plans include the legalization of outposts and the expansion of settlements, particularly targeting areas like Hebron. The Israeli government has been accused of using military force to seize Palestinian lands since the Nakba in 1948 and has intensified these efforts since the 1967 war. The Civil Administration in the West Bank is also involved in demolishing Palestinian homes deemed illegal and consolidating Israeli control over the region.
International reactions to these developments have been strong, with the Palestinian Authority rejecting the annexation plans, while Jordan and the European Union condemned Smotrich's statements as violations of international law and Palestinian rights. The International Court of Justice has previously ruled that Israeli settlements are illegal, further complicating the situation.
