Netanyahu's New Promise: Annexation of Settlements in Occupied West Bank to Israeli Territory

Benjamin Netanyahu has promised that if he wins re-election and becomes Prime Minister again, he will annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank to Israeli territory. On April 6, during an interview with the host of 'Channel 12 News', the Israeli Prime Minister was asked why he has not annexed the extensive Jewish settlements in the occupied territories of the West Bank, similar to the situation in East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, despite international community's rejection. Netanyahu responded, 'Who said we won’t do it? We are on that path and are negotiating about it.' He explained, 'If the question is whether we are moving to the next stage? The answer is yes, we are taking steps towards the next stage.' Netanyahu added, 'I will expand Israeli sovereignty; and for me, there is no difference between settlements that are built close together and those that are isolated.' Palestinian leaders have reacted strongly to the Israeli Prime Minister's recent statements. Saeb Erekat, head of the Palestinian negotiating team, stated, 'As long as the international community continues to grant Israel impunity, especially under the support of the [Donald] Trump administration, and while Israel's violations of international law and human rights of the Palestinian people are being validated, Israel will continue to disregard international laws.' Palestinians are striving to establish an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, areas that were occupied by Israel in 1967. Israel has annexed East Jerusalem and has withdrawn from Gaza. The West Bank remains under Israeli military occupation, although Palestinians have limited autonomy. Palestinians consider the construction of Jewish settlements in these areas illegal, citing the 'Geneva Convention' which opposes settlement in occupied territories. However, Israel has a different approach, citing security needs and political, historical, and biblical claims to justify its annexation of land. Approximately 400,000 Israeli citizens reside in the West Bank, while nearly 2.9 million Palestinian citizens live in these areas. Israeli elections are scheduled for Tuesday. Recent polls published on April 5 indicate that since the right-wing faction will remain in the majority, the likelihood of Netanyahu retaining the Prime Minister position is high.