Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich Announces Plan to Annex the West Bank by 2025

Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, officially announced a plan to annex the West Bank by 2025, declaring it as the year of “Israeli sovereignty” over the occupied Palestinian territory. Smotrich’s statement has sparked outrage among Palestinians and neighboring countries, further escalating tensions in the region.

In a statement released on Monday evening, Smotrich expressed hope that US President-elect Donald Trump would endorse Israel’s sovereignty plans. “I believe that with the return of Trump to the White House, we will have a unique window of opportunity to impose sovereignty over the West Bank,” he said.

Smotrich, a prominent figure in the right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserted that there is a broad consensus within Israel’s Knesset, both among the coalition and the opposition, to oppose any potential establishment of a Palestinian state. “There is no room for a Palestinian state that threatens Israel’s existence. 2025 will be the year of sovereignty,” he declared.

The minister confirmed that he has already issued directives to Israel’s Settlement Directorate and the Civil Administration to begin preparations for annexation. This includes laying the groundwork for infrastructure projects to integrate the West Bank more directly into Israeli jurisdiction.

Palestinian Response: “A Declaration of War”

The announcement drew immediate condemnation from Palestinian factions. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian presidency, labeled Smotrich’s plan as a “recipe for disaster” that would lead the region into further chaos. “He is delusional if he thinks he can impose sovereignty over our land,” Abu Rudeineh said, reiterating that 2025 will instead mark the realization of an independent Palestinian state.

The resistance group Hamas also denounced Smotrich’s statement, describing it as further evidence of Israel’s colonial ambitions. “This is a clear declaration of war on the Palestinian people,” Hamas said in a statement. “It exposes the false hopes of those who dream of peace with an apartheid entity that thrives on terror and land theft.”

Hamas urged the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take decisive action against Israel’s plans, warning that these moves could escalate tensions not just locally but across the region.

Jordan Joins the Chorus of Condemnation

Neighboring Jordan also reacted strongly to Smotrich’s declaration. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stern rebuke, describing the Israeli minister’s remarks as “blatantly racist and inflammatory.” It reiterated that the West Bank is occupied Palestinian territory and that any attempts to annex it would be a flagrant violation of international law.

The ministry called on the international community to intervene and hold Israel accountable, stressing that such actions threaten to destabilize the already tensioned region. “There is no legitimacy to Israel’s claims over occupied Palestinian land,” the statement read.

Growing Calls for International Sanctions

Smotrich’s hardline stance has not only drawn criticism from the Arab world but also renewed calls within Europe for sanctions against Israel. Several EU nations have previously discussed punitive measures in response to Israel’s expansionist policies. Washington, which has traditionally been Israel’s staunchest ally, has expressed concerns over Smotrich’s extremist positions.

The finance minister, who leads the Religious Zionist Party, has a history of making genocidal and violent statements. He has openly advocated for full annexation of the West Bank and Gaza, while pushing for policies that aim to undermine any prospects for a two-state solution.

Smotrich’s announcement comes at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and its neighbors as Israel has been carrying out attacks on Syria, Iraq, and Yemen in addition to its wars in Lebanon and Gaza.