International-News

Netanyahu on standby regarding annexation: tensions with France and the Arab world

The Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is weighing his response to the decision by France and other countries to recognise the State of Palestine, amid internal pressure and diplomatic risks.

Benjamin Netanyahu remains on standby regarding the possible annexation of the West Bank, while weighing the consequences of the decision by some countries, led by France, to recognise the State of Palestine. The Israeli Prime Minister finds himself balancing pressure from ministers and his party with the risk of irritating the Arab world and Donald Trump.

According to the Wall Street Journal, annexation could undo years of work to normalise Israel’s relations with Arab countries, including the Abraham Accords with the Emirates, a key condition for the suspension of annexation plans. Arab officials have reportedly warned Israel about the consequences of such action, whether total or partial, which is considered a red line.

As an alternative to annexation, Israel could take economic measures to put pressure on the Palestinian territories or limit consular relations with France. Under Netanyahu’s leadership, settlement construction in the West Bank has continued, while talk of annexation also serves to appease the domestic base, analysts such as Josh Krasna explain.

Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli military intelligence officer, points out that any move towards annexation could provoke a crisis between Israel and the Arab world, jeopardising the Abraham Accords.

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