'Annexation' date passes in Israel without any moves

Netanyahu may yet announce symbolic move on occupied West Bank, Israel media suggests

Demonstrators taking part in a rally in Gaza City yesterday as Palestinians called for a "day of rage" to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Israeli government had set July 1 as the date from which it
Demonstrators taking part in a rally in Gaza City yesterday as Palestinians called for a "day of rage" to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Israeli government had set July 1 as the date from which it could begin implementing America's Middle East peace proposal. PHOTO: REUTERS

JERUSALEM • Expectations of a major Israeli announcement on controversial annexations in the occupied West Bank dimmed yesterday, as global criticism of the project mounted and Palestinian protesters began gathering in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government had set July 1 as the date from which it could begin implementing US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace proposal.

The Trump plan, unveiled at the White House in January, offered a path for Israel to annex territory and Jewish West Bank settlements - considered illegal under international law.

Mr Netanyahu has voiced enthusiastic support for the Trump plan - which has been roundly rejected by the Palestinians - but the right-wing premier has not revealed his intentions for enacting the American proposal.

In the hours ahead of the self-imposed July 1 date, a growing chorus of Israeli officials indicated a major announcement was not imminent.

And yesterday, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, a Netanyahu political rival now serving in the centre-right coalition, told army radio that he thought it was "unlikely something would happen today".

But he added: "I don't know if there will be a statement today on the application of sovereignty. That is a question you have to ask Prime Minister Netanyahu."

Application of "sovereignty" is a term used widely in Israel to refer to what the international community views as annexation and a breach of international law.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz said this week that annexation must wait until the coronavirus crisis has been contained. Mr Gantz is due to take over as prime minister in November next year under the terms of a coalition deal.

Mr Netanyahu on Tuesday met US Ambassador David Friedman, a staunch supporter of Jewish West Bank settlers and of annexation. "I discussed the question of sovereignty, which we are currently working on and will continue to work on in the coming days," the Israeli premier said after the meeting.

Mr Netanyahu may still move forward in the days ahead, with Israeli media suggesting he may announce a merely symbolic move, like the annexation of one settlement on Jerusalem's outskirts.

But experts have noted that he is keenly watching the US presidential election and may still want to act decisively before January if he fears Mr Trump will not win a second term. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is opposed to any unilateral annexation by Israel.

While the United States has offered tacit support for immediate annexation as part of the Trump proposal, most of the international community is opposed to the project.

Writing in Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper yesterday, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that although he was a "passionate defender of Israel", he viewed annexation as "contrary to Israel's own long-term interests".

"Annexation would represent a violation of international law," he said.

France and Germany, along with several other European states and the United Nations, all oppose annexation, as do Gulf Arab states, with which Israel has increasingly sought warmer ties.

Jordan, one of only two Arab nations with diplomatic ties with Israel, has warned that annexation could trigger a "massive conflict" and has not ruled out reviewing its 1994 peace treaty with the Jewish state.

The Palestinians have called for protests against the Trump proposal. The Palestinians have said they are willing to renew long-stalled talks with Israel - but not on terms outlined in the Trump plan.

Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, says Israeli annexations in the West Bank would be a "declaration of war".

Israel annexed East Jerusalem following the 1967 Six-Day War and then the Golan Heights on the Syrian border in 1981, in moves never recognised by most of the international community.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 02, 2020, with the headline 'Annexation' date passes in Israel without any moves. Subscribe