ALBAWABA - Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's order to prepare for West Bank annexation was harshly denounced by Palestine and Jordan. Al Jazeera stated that far-right Religious Zionism party leader Smotrich wants to execute this plan by 2025, claiming increased backing from re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump.
Smotrich's words are causing "an explosive situation," according to Palestinian spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh, speaking to Al Jazeera. Abu Rudeineh called the words a “direct threat to stability” and the annexation plan a “extension of displacement and destruction” against Palestinians. He called these views a “blatant challenge” to the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, when regional leaders reiterated support for Palestinian independence.
Smotrich instructed to start preparations for expanding Israeli authority over the West Bank, hoping to coordinate with Trump's administration. He declared 2025 "a year of sovereignty" in the area, drawing criticism from local and international parties.
Amman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs blasted Smotrich's remarks as “racist and inflammatory.” According to Al Jazeera, the ministry said Israeli claims over Palestinian territory “violate international law” and harm Palestinian sovereignty. The Jordanian ministry cited UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which prohibits unilateral demographic or geographical changes in occupied Palestinian territory.
Palestinian opposition factions Hamas and Islamic Jihad also responded harshly. Hamas told Al Jazeera that Smotrich's proposal “dispels any illusion” about peace or cooperation and that Israel's efforts are “terroristic and rooted in land seizure.” Hamas and other resistance groups promised to fight annexation and urged the UN and Arab League to intervene.
Islamic Jihad called Smotrich's words a “open declaration of war” against Palestinians and a “clear message” about Israel's regional goals. The organization said the words violated previous peace efforts and rejected Palestinian self-determination.
