Some ministers said to be pushing for annexation process to start before UN General Assembly next month, when France and other nations have pledged to recognize a Palestinian state. The cabinet is expected to discuss annexing certain parts of the West Bank next week, Israeli television reported Thursday, amid growing calls for annexation among right-wing Israeli lawmakers. According to Channel 12 news, the discussion will be held in light of the recently-approved settlement construction plan spearheaded by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, which will see some 3,400 housing units built in the West Bank’s contentious E1 area between Jerusalem and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement.
There was no suggestion that a vote will be held on the question of annexation during the meeting, scheduled for Sunday. The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to a request for comment on the reportedly scheduled discussion or the issues on the cabinet’s agenda.
International pressure had for years successfully dissuaded Israel from building in E1, with critics arguing such a plan would cut the West Bank in two, severing it from East Jerusalem and scuttling the prospect of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. Reported plans to consider annexing parts of the West Bank stand to further embitter Israel’s relations with several Western allies, as France and others pledged to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly this September. (Read More)
