Israel Weighs West Bank Annexation Amid Regional Security Concerns
The incoming Trump administration's stance may influence Israel's decision on extending sovereignty, as tensions with Iran and regional threats escalate.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocates for West Bank annexation, seeing potential support from President-elect Donald Trump.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu considers reintroducing annexation to the agenda, with settlers viewing Trump as a supportive ally.
- Annexation could lead to diplomatic isolation for Israel, risking relationships with Arab allies and signatories of the Abraham Accords.
- The potential move could provoke increased violence in the West Bank, complicating Israel's ongoing conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.
- Focusing on countering Iran's influence may align better with Israel's national security interests, especially with Marco Rubio as a potential ally in the Trump administration.