Finance Minister of Israel Issues Threat of West Bank Annexation - Finance Minister of Israel issues warning about annexation of West Bank
The political landscape of the West Bank remains in a state of flux, marked by ongoing military operations, settlement expansion, and international condemnation.
Current Situation
Israel has escalated its military actions in the West Bank since January 2025, with Operation Iron Wall aimed at dismantling Palestinian militant infrastructure, particularly in northern refugee camps like Jenin and Tulkarm. This represents a more aggressive and prolonged Israeli military presence than before.
Far-right Israeli government ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, advocate for policies that could effectively annex parts of the West Bank, aiming to alter the area's demographic and geographic realities towards a "greater Israel" vision. Smotrich has portrayed Operation Iron Wall as the beginning of a campaign to protect Israeli settlements in the occupied area.
The consequences for Palestinians have been severe. As of mid-2025, nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers, more than 40,000 have been displaced from their homes during military campaigns—the highest rate since 1967—and the economic damage has caused a steep decline in GDP and soaring unemployment in the West Bank.
The Palestinian Authority has participated in some capacity alongside Israel in security actions, indicating complex dynamics but no easing of the occupation.
International and Legal Context
UN human rights experts have urged the West Bank to remain under Palestinian control, emphasising the Palestinians' right to self-determination and condemning Israeli settler violence and illegal settlement expansion. They have also called on the international community to enforce accountability through sanctions and diplomatic pressure to prevent ongoing abuses.
Experts demand Israel comply with the 2024 International Court of Justice advisory opinion, urging Israel to end its occupation and evacuate settlers from Palestinian territory.
Summary
Despite threats of formal annexation by figures like Smotrich, there has been no official full annexation yet. However, Israeli actions through military operations and settlement policies are advancing de facto control and squeezing Palestinian presence politically, demographically, and economically. This situation increases tensions and international calls for upholding international law and protecting Palestinian rights in the West Bank.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's threat to annex the West Bank if a Palestinian state is recognized next month by several countries at the United Nations General Assembly still stands. On the other hand, Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, praised the expected recognition of a Palestinian state as "the fruits of October 7" in a TV interview last month.
The aim of recognizing a Palestinian state is to advance a two-state solution, meaning Israel and an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully side by side. However, Israel has rejected recognition as a "reward for Hamas". The Israeli government also rejects the two-state solution, claiming it threatens Israel's existence.
Several countries, including France, Canada, and Australia, plan to recognize a Palestinian state next month. The recognition aims to advance a two-state solution, meaning Israel and an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully side by side.
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