US May Approve Unilateral Israeli Annexation of a Few Settlement Blocs in West Bank
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) –
Given Palestinian rejection of the Trump peace plan, the US may support Israel in the unilateral annexation of a few settlement blocs in the West Bank, World Israel News (WIN) reported Thursday. Under the Israeli coalition government agreement, Prime Minister Netanyahu can ask the Knesset to vote on annexation proposals starting July 1. However, the agreement stipulates that any such proposal must have US backing.
Published in January, the Trump administration peace plan calls for two states and includes the extension of Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and to all settlements in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). An impasse set in following Palestinian leaders’ outright rejection of the plan, but Israel reportedly plans to make some headway alone.
PM Netanyahu had taken July 1 as the date on which to begin advancing plans to annex what would amount to around 30% of the land in the West Bank. However, in view of requiring US approval and as Palestinian leadership are very far from the negotiating table, it has been reported Israel now plans to annex just three blocs starting July 1.
Responding to reports of Israeli plans, an unnamed American official reportedly said Thursday: “Israel will have to submit the maps and proposal, and we will have to discuss. [The US is] waiting for the Israelis to formulate their position,” WIN reported.
Israelis and Americans are said to be engaged in ongoing discussions on the matter: U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman is reportedly expected to meet PM Netanyahu, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi next week.
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