Politics in Israel continue to generate heated debates and tensions, particularly with the recent announcement by the far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, regarding preparations for the annexation of settlements in the occupied West Bank. This decision has raised a wave of concerns and protests within the international community and more particularly in Palestine.
Smotrich’s order to prepare the infrastructure necessary to enforce Israeli sovereignty over the settlements in the West Bank was seen as a provocation both politically and humanitarianly. The reactions were swift, with the Palestinian Authority quickly condemning the announcement as a colonial and racist extension, thus exacerbating the tensions already present in the region.
This initiative by Smotrich comes in a complex political context, as the new Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, emphasizes that no official decision has been taken on the matter. However, the mention of annexation was already discussed during the term of the previous US president, Donald Trump, thus leaving doubts about a possible future collaboration with the United States on this issue.
Smotrich’s argument that the application of Israeli sovereignty over the settlements in the West Bank would be the only way to eliminate the threat of a Palestinian state has raised strong reactions both in Israel and abroad. Smotrich’s strong position is part of a logic of defending Israeli interests, but it raises concerns about its consequences for the already fragile peace process in the region.
Smotrich’s announcement comes in a context of political change with the election of Donald Trump in the United States. Smotrich sees this victory as an opportunity for Israel, while stressing the need for international recognition of the annexation of the settlements in the West Bank. However, reactions from Palestinians and activist groups underscore the rejection of this unilateral step and warn of an escalation of the conflict.
Ultimately, the issue of annexing settlements in the West Bank raises major political, legal and humanitarian issues. The future of the region will largely depend on how this decision is handled on the international stage and on efforts to revive a genuine peace process between Israel and Palestine.