Israel’s far-right minister claims 2025 will be “year of annexation” for the West Bank
Israeli soldiers lead blindfolded detainees along a street during a military raid in Dura, south of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank on October 31, 2024. (Photo by Hazem BADER / AFP)
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has claimed that 2025 will be the “year of annexation” for the occupied West Bank.
Speaking at a meeting of his far-right Religious Zionism Party, Smotrich announced plans for the annexation of the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 war.
Smotrich argued that the time has come for Israel to formally annex the West Bank and revealed that he has instructed the relevant authorities to begin preparations for the necessary infrastructure for the annexation.
He further stated that 2025 will mark the year in which the West Bank is officially annexed by Israel.
Additionally, Smotrich suggested that the re-election of Donald Trump as US President would present an “opportunity” for Israel to proceed with the annexation and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
