This Monday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed his expectation that Israel will extend its sovereignty to the West Bank by 2025 and indicated that he will seek support from the United States government in this process.
At the same time, Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, commented that, although there is still no formal decision, the issue could be discussed with the future US government.
Smotrich, who oversees settler-related matters in the West Bank as part of his role at the Ministry of Defense, revealed that he has instructed Israeli authorities to prepare the necessary infrastructure for the possible extension of Israeli sovereignty over the territory. He also intends to involve the next Donald Trump administration to obtain recognition of this measure.
During a press conference in Jerusalem, Saar clarified that “the last time we discussed this issue was in President Trump’s first term,” and that “if it is relevant, it will be discussed again also with our friends in Washington.”
The West Bank, a territory disputed and occupied by Israel since the 1967 war, is central to the Palestinian demand for a state of their own. The international community for the most part considers Israeli settlements in the region to be illegal, a position that Israel disputes, arguing historical and strategic claims over the area.
Smotrich’s plans and possible future discussions with the US government come at a time when the United States has historically supported a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, and continues to call on Israel not to expand settlements in the region. The evolution of this policy will be a significant point in international relations and Israeli domestic politics in the coming years.
With information from Reuters
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/11/21/ministros-de-israel-discutem-planos-de-soberania-na-cisjordania-com-potencial-apoio-dos-eua/
