Israeli Right-Wing Defies Trump’s Stance, Pushes Netanyahu on West Bank Annexation Amidst Diplomatic Tensions

In a direct challenge to former US President Donald Trump‘s declaration that Israeli annexation of the West Bank is ‘not going to happen,’ prominent right-wing figures in Israel have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to proceed with the controversial move. The push comes as European nations increasingly recognize a Palestinian state, intensifying calls within Netanyahu’s coalition to assert Israeli sovereignty over parts of the territory.

MK Zvi Sukkot of the far-right Religious Zionism party emphasized Israel’s inherent right to its homeland, stating on X, ‘The Jewish people’s sovereignty over the Jewish homeland does not depend on any external source.’ He explicitly linked the annexation drive to recent European diplomatic shifts, arguing, ‘Faced with European countries’ insane recognition of a Palestinian terror state, we must apply sovereignty [over the West Bank] already during this term.’

Echoing this sentiment, Likud MK Dan Ilouz asserted the matter ‘is solely the decision of the Jewish people,’ while acknowledging appreciation for Trump’s past support. MK Avi Maoz of the Noam party also underscored that the decision on sovereignty rests with the Israeli government and Knesset.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, highlighted the post-October 7, 2023, security imperative. He insisted that annexation of ‘all the open areas and settlements’ is crucial to prevent a Palestinian state he views as an existential threat. Dagan directly challenged Netanyahu, urging him to declare at the UN, ‘This is our land, I will do what is critical for Israel’s continued existence after October 7, and apply full sovereignty to Judea and Samaria.’

The original report indicated Trump’s previous warning against annexation, conveyed ahead of a scheduled meeting between him and Netanyahu. While US support is typically seen as crucial for such a significant geopolitical move, these latest statements from Israeli right-wing leaders signal a growing internal pressure on Netanyahu to defy international opinion and proceed with annexation, regardless of past or current US reservations.

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