Finance minister of Israel issues West Bank annexation threat
In recent developments, Qatar has criticized Israel's occupation policy, accusing it of aiming for the forced expulsion of the Palestinian population. This criticism comes amidst plans by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to build 3,400 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank.
The E1 area, if developed, would effectively divide the West Bank into northern and southern parts, making a contiguous territory for a future Palestinian state difficult. This decision has sparked a broadly condemnatory and concerned international response, with the United States, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN) opposing the construction in E1. They view it as a move that would "deal a fatal blow" to the two-state solution and make a contiguous Palestinian state "almost inconceivable".
On August 23, 2025, foreign ministers from 25 countries, including many in Europe as well as Australia, Canada, and Japan, strongly condemned Israel's approval of the 3,400-home settlement expansion plan in E1. They expressed concerns that it would split the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem from Palestinian areas.
Humanitarian groups, including OCHA, have also highlighted the risk of displacement for Bedouin communities in the E1 area, underscoring the human impact of the expansion plans.
Despite the international criticism, the Israeli government, particularly under Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has defended the plan. They reject what they call attempts by foreign countries to impose dictates regarding Jerusalem and settlements.
In a related development, several states, including France, Canada, and Australia, have plans to recognize a Palestinian state next month. This move has been met with warnings from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who stated that unilateral decisions undermine any possibility of peace.
The EU has also urged Israel to refrain from the E1 decision and halt settlement construction in the West Bank, stating that such decisions exacerbate the situation and violate international law. Jordan and Egypt have also warned that Israel's settlement policy hinders peace and stability in the region.
In a controversial response, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to annex the West Bank if a Palestinian state is recognized next month. He stated that if a Palestinian state is recognized in September, Israel will assert full sovereignty over all areas of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).
This threat of annexation is not a new development. In 2020, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suspended annexation plans in the West Bank in exchange for an approach with the United Arab Emirates. However, recent events indicate a decisive shift towards advancing the project despite global criticism.
Final approval for the controversial E1 building plans is scheduled for next Wednesday, according to Peace Now. This decision, if implemented, could have significant implications for the future of the two-state solution and the prospects for peace in the region.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 24). Israel's E1 settlement plans condemned as 'fatal blow' to two-state solution. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/24/israels-e1-settlement-plans-condemned-as-fatal-blow-to-two-state-solution
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 23). Israel's E1 settlement plans strongly condemned by foreign ministers of 25 countries. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-e1-settlement-plans-strongly-condemned-foreign-ministers-25-countries-2025-08-23/
[3] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 24). Israel pushes ahead with E1 settlement plan despite international condemnation. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/24/israel-pushes-ahead-with-e1-settlement-plan-despite-international-condemnation
[4] Middle East Eye. (2025, August 25). Bedouin communities at risk of displacement from E1 settlement plans, warn humanitarian groups. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bedouin-communities-risk-displacement-e1-settlement-plans-warn-humanitarian-groups
Politics and war-and-conflicts remain at the forefront of general news as international pressure mounts against Israel's planned settlement expansion in the E1 area of the West Bank. Foreign ministers from 25 countries, humanitarian groups, and international organizations such as the United States, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN), have expressed deep concerns and strong condemnation over Israel's plans. They worry that such moves will significantly impact the prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state and hinder the possibility of peace in the region.
