Israel threatens West Bank annexation after Palestine recognition
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
Today, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia officially recognized the State of Palestine. Israel responded by threatening a strong reaction, and some officials called for annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, reports The Times of Israel.
Ahead of his address at the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a government meeting that Israel would respond in the coming days to calls for creating a Palestinian state. He urged a "fight" against the move, saying it "endangers the existence" of Israel.
"At the UN, I will present the truth. This is Israel's truth, but it is also the objective truth in our just struggle against the forces of evil, and our vision for real peace — peace through strength," Netanyahu said.
He added that Israel must fight at the UN and on all other fronts "against false propaganda" and "calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state, which would endanger our existence and constitute an absurd reward for terror."
According to Netanyahu, countries that recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly are encouraging Hamas terror acts against Israel.
"The international community will hear from us about this in the coming days," he said.
Netanyahu also announced he will meet with US President Donald Trump after the UN General Assembly.
"This will be the fourth time I meet with him since the beginning of his second term — more than any other world leader. And we have a great deal to discuss," he added.
Reaction of ministers
Following the recognition of Palestine by the UK, Canada, and Australia, several Israeli officials reacted. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for annexing Judea and Samaria, referring to the Israeli-occupied parts of the West Bank.
"The days when Britain and other countries would determine our future are over. The mandate is over, and the only response to this anti-Israeli move is sovereignty over the historic homeland of the Jewish people in Judea and Samaria, and permanently removing the folly of a Palestinian state from the agenda," Smotrich said on X.
He also addressed Netanyahu directly, saying, "Mr. Prime Minister, the time is now, and it is in your hands."
Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made a similar statement, calling for the destruction of the Palestinian Authority.
"The recognition by the UK, Canada, and Australia of a 'Palestinian' state, as a prize for the murderous Nukhba terrorists, requires immediate countermeasures. The immediate application of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and the complete dismantling of the 'Palestinian' Authority," Ben-Gvir said.
He added that he plans to present a proposal for annexation at a future government meeting.
A few weeks ago, Axios reported that the Israeli government was discussing annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, prompted by plans from several Western countries to recognize Palestine as a state.
Today, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia announced that they recognize the State of Palestine.
