Smotrich on Trump’s Victory: Push for West Bank Annexation and Israeli Sovereignty – Implications and International Reactions

Smotrich on Trump’s Victory: Push for West Bank Annexation and Israeli Sovereignty – Implications and International Reactions

November 11, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor World

Israel’s Plans for West Bank Annexation Following Trump’s Victory

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced that Donald Trump’s election as the next U.S. president presents an "important opportunity" for Israel to annex the West Bank. Here are the key points:

Smotrich’s Statement

  • Smotrich, who also serves in the Defense Ministry overseeing West Bank settlements, stated that Trump’s victory is a chance to "apply Israeli sovereignty to the settlements in Judea and Samaria," the biblical names for the West Bank[3][5].

Preparations for Annexation

  • Smotrich has instructed Israeli authorities to begin preparing the necessary infrastructure for extending sovereignty over the West Bank. This includes professional and comprehensive staff work by the Settlement Directorate in the Defense Ministry and the Civil Administration[3][5].

Historical Context

  • During Trump’s first term (2017-2021), the U.S. recognized the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and declared that Israel’s West Bank settlements were consistent with international law. These actions are seen as precedents for potential U.S. support for annexation[3].

Political Support

  • Smotrich is not alone in his call for annexation. Other far-right politicians, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have also advocated for applying Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank following Trump’s victory[3][5].

Foreign Minister’s Stance

  • While Smotrich and other settler leaders are optimistic, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar noted that no decision has been made on the issue. Saar indicated that discussions with the incoming Trump administration could revive the topic, but emphasized that the government has not yet made a decision[5].

International Implications

  • The West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War, remains under military rule. Annexation would involve extending Israeli civil law to the settlements, a move that most world powers consider illegal. The international community, including the U.S. in past administrations, has supported a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians[3][5].

Future Plans

  • Smotrich hopes that 2025 will be the year of sovereignty in the West Bank. He also advocated for extending Israeli sovereignty to the Gaza Strip and establishing new settlements in Palestinian areas[3][5].

This move is seen as a significant step in the broader context of Israel’s territorial expansion and its relations with the Palestinian territories.