Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working overtime to keep a number of different avenues to annexation open. This follows on news that a score of Western nations are set to recognize Palestinian statehood in the near future. Netanyahu’s government made the first steps toward a potentially controversial annexation last week, discussing the move with his security cabinet for the first time. They have not made a formal decision to this point.
Israel then took the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war. Ever since, the region has been a flashpoint as Israel built Jewish settlements — deemed illegal under international law — in the area. This new proposed annexation would see a partial annexation of dozens of communities. Or, instead, it can take a longer view foreseeing annexation of Area C, which represents roughly 60% of the territory of the West Bank.
That said, the anticipated recognition of Palestinian statehood from countries such as France, Australia, Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom will help shape this debate around annexation quite significantly. These announcements will take place at this month’s United Nations General Assembly. These countries add to the growing list of over 140 nations that have previously recognized Palestinian statehood.
In preparation for such recognition, Netanyahu intends to convene the highest-level ministers on Thursday. We hope they’ll prepare Israel’s strategic response as a result, at this important meeting. One of the main areas under discussion for annexation is the Jordan Valley. This territory borders the eastern edge of the West Bank and runs alongside the Jordan River.
At the same time, the United States has not publicly indicated its support for Israel’s annexation plans. Recent actions by the U.S. include denying visas to officials from the Palestinian Authority who were set to attend the UN General Assembly where President Macron’s announcement is expected.
The Israeli government maintains that by applying sovereignty over specific areas, it will effectively prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. “By applying sovereignty, we will prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, because it is impossible to establish a state on the sovereign territory of another country,” said Omer Rahamim, CEO of the Yesha Council.
Worries for Israel’s image and PR while they’re still carpet bombing and massacring people have already started coming out. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on this situation, stating:
“They’re gonna have to get that war over with. But it is hurting Israel. There’s no question about it. They may be winning the war, but they’re not winning the world of public relations, you know, and it is hurting them.”
The Israeli government walks a tightrope between its domestic constituency and the international community’s diplomatic gauntlet. In the meantime, Saudi Arabia has taken pains to indicate that normalization isn’t right around the corner. They insist that Israel first agree to a framework that leads to Palestinian statehood.
Israel’s appetites for annexation overall, and specifically for the valley, have come under fire as an “expansionist ambition.” Critics say that these moves would weigh down peace initiatives and worsen tensions in the most volatile region of the world.
