Israeli Minister Smotrich Plans Annexation of 82% West Bank Amid UAE Opposition

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed annexing 82% of the West Bank, aiming to apply Israeli sovereignty over most of the territory while excluding six densely populated Palestinian urban centers. He frames the plan as a security measure to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, advocating for "maximum territory, minimum population" and calling for the destruction of the Palestinian Authority if it challenges Israeli control. The proposal has drawn strong international criticism, including from 21 countries and the United Arab Emirates, which warned that annexation would jeopardize the Abraham Accords and undermine peace efforts. Smotrich emphasized Israel's biblical and historical claims to the land and rejected partial sovereignty or settlement blocs, insisting on full control of the "open areas" of Judea and Samaria. He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to make a historic decision to enact the annexation, asserting that it would mark a turning point in Israeli policy. The plan is seen as a direct move against Palestinian statehood and has raised concerns about further destabilizing the region.