Israel to Proceed with West Bank Annexation Tomorrow?

Rising Tensions Near Palestinian Border
Defense Minister Gantz's Call for Delay Adds Uncertainty
Merger Expected to Occur Only at Symbolic Level

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] As the date Israel has set to annex parts of the West Bank approaches by one day, tensions are rising in the Palestinian territories. Not only Palestine but also Middle Eastern countries warn that if Israel proceeds with the annexation of the West Bank, the peace efforts made so far could be in vain.

Protesters holding the Palestinian flag in protest against the Israeli military [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to foreign media including The Washington Post (WP) on the 29th (local time), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again pressured Palestine by stating that Israel would annex settlements in the West Bank, which was formerly a Palestinian autonomous area. Earlier in April, Netanyahu announced in parliament and cabinet that he would push forward with a plan to annex the West Bank and the Jordan Valley next month.

Israel occupied Gaza and the West Bank after winning the 1967 Middle East War. According to international law, the West Bank is considered a Palestinian autonomous region, but Israel has expanded its effective control by building Israeli settlements throughout the area. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding this region intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a Middle East peace plan in January, which included allowing Israel to annex about 30% of the West Bank. Approximately 2.9 million Palestinians and 600,000 Israelis reside in the West Bank area.

Saeb Erekat, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), told WP, "The relationship between Palestine and Israel is the worst it has been in decades." Armed conflict has already begun between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Hamas declared a 'state of war' regarding the West Bank annexation and launched rocket attacks on Israeli military facilities, while Israel retaliated using fighter jets and other means.

If the annexation becomes a reality, criticism against Israel is expected to intensify. Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated in a press release that day, "Annexation is illegal," and expressed "serious concern even about minimal annexation." United Nations Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres, the European Union (EU), and Arab countries have also warned against the annexation moves.

Some speculate that the annexation of the West Bank may be symbolic in nature. The British daily The Guardian reported that the meeting between Mossad Director Yossi Cohen and King Abdullah II suggests this possibility. Israel may choose a compromise plan to annex only a very limited part of the West Bank.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.