Stay updated with the latest developments in Middle Eastern politics and society by signing up for the myFT Digest. Get free updates delivered directly to your inbox to stay informed on crucial issues.
In response to the UK and three other countries formally recognizing Palestine, several ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government have called for the annexation of the occupied West Bank. This move by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal is expected to be followed by France and other countries at the UN, marking a significant wave of recognitions for Palestine.
The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza, leading to accusations of genocide in the Palestinian enclave. Despite these recognitions, Netanyahu has reiterated that there will be “no Palestinian state” and criticized countries for rewarding Hamas for their actions.
In Israel, ultranationalist ministers like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have demanded the immediate annexation of the West Bank, with calls to dismantle the Palestinian Authority. Other ministers from Likud party, including defense minister Israel Katz, have also expressed support for annexation.
Economy minister Nir Barkat proposed applying sovereignty to Judea and Samaria, recognizing local leadership like the Emirate of Hebron. Netanyahu, following his meeting with President Donald Trump, will deliver Israel’s response to the recognitions of Palestine.
Options for annexing parts of the West Bank, such as Area C or the Jordan Valley, have been discussed by Israeli officials with a focus on gaining US support for any move. However, annexation would likely face strong international opposition, with potential consequences like trade restrictions on Jewish settlements.
In response to these developments, Singapore has announced plans to impose sanctions on leaders of Israeli settler groups and is considering recognizing Palestine as a state. The city-state’s relationship with Israel has strained over recent actions in Gaza, including air strikes targeting Hamas’s political leadership in Doha.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation in the Middle East.
