Israel's finance minister orders annexation of occupied West Bank

Israel’s Finance Minister announced plans to annex the occupied West Bank, expressing confidence that Donald Trump will endorse the move if he returns to the White House as US president in January 2025.

Bezalel Smotrich, who resides in an illegal Israeli settlement and known for his far-right views, also holds a position in the Defense Ministry overseeing settlements in the West Bank.

Smotrich took to X and referred to 2025 as “the year of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria,” using biblical names for the West Bank.

During a Knesset meeting on Monday, he praised Trump’s anticipated return and instructed the Defense Ministry’s Settlement Directorate and Civil Administration to begin preparing a roadmap for annexation.

“I have directed the start of professional work to prepare the necessary infrastructure to apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria,” he was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.

He further said, “I have no doubt that President Trump, who showed courage and determination in his decisions during his first term, will support the State of Israel in this move.” 

In response, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned Smotrich’s remarks, saying they confirm Israel's intent for a military escalation in the occupied West Bank.

He maintained, “We hold the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the repercussions of these dangerous policies,” he said. The United States was also responsible for the continuous support it offered to Israel’s aggression, he said.