US President Donald Trump has warned Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will lose "all support" from America if it tries to annex the West Bank. In a Time magazine interview published on Thursday (Oct 23), the American president said about the West Bank annexation, "It won’t happen. It won’t happen. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-and-usha-vance-getting-divorce-former-wh-press-secretary-claims-not-all-is-well-in-their-marriage-details-here-1761143711469">JD and Usha Vance getting divorce? Former WH press secretary claims not all is well in their marriage. Details here</a>&nbsp;“And you can’t do that now. We’ve had great Arab support. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries. It will not happen. Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened," he added.&nbsp;Israel's parliament approves bill for West Bank annexation&nbsp;The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas decried the move and said it “reflects the ugly face of the colonial occupation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the move threatens the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. He is in Israel now following the visit of the US Vice President JD Vance.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-demand-for-immidiate-ceasefire-with-ukraine-contrary-to-trump-putin-agreement-in-alaska-kremlin-1761072472770">Trump’s demand for immediate ceasefire with Ukraine ‘contrary to Trump-Putin agreement in Alaska: Kremlin</a>&nbsp;The bill was passed on Wednesday, following a narrow margin of 25-24 votes. The bill, referred to as "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was pushed by far-right MK Avi Maoz. It will now be discussed by the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.&nbsp;"They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president (Donald Trump) has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now," said Rubio.

The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

US President Donald Trump has warned Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will lose "all support" from America if it tries to annex the West Bank. In a Time magazine interview published on Thursday (Oct 23), the American president said about the West Bank annexation, "It won’t happen. It won’t happen. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries. Also read:JD and Usha Vance getting divorce? Former WH press secretary claims not all is well in their marriage. Details here “And you can’t do that now. We’ve had great Arab support. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries. It will not happen. Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened," he added. Israel's parliament approves bill for West Bank annexation The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas decried the move and said it “reflects the ugly face of the colonial occupation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the move threatens the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. He is in Israel now following the visit of the US Vice President JD Vance. Also read: Trump’s demand for immediate ceasefire with Ukraine ‘contrary to Trump-Putin agreement in Alaska: Kremlin The bill was passed on Wednesday, following a narrow margin of 25-24 votes. The bill, referred to as "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was pushed by far-right MK Avi Maoz. It will now be discussed by the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. "They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president (Donald Trump) has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now," said Rubio.

The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

'I gave my word to Arab countries’: Trump threatens Netanyahu will lose US support if annexed West Bank

Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, on Wednesday reaffirmed the Gulf nation's earlier stand that annexation of the West Bank is a ‘red line’ and urged against adopting a ‘maximalist view’. While speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit, Anwar Gargash said that compromise is necessary, and there is a need to find a balance between Israel's security and a viable Palestinian state.&nbsp;“Are we going to continue with this sort of maximalist views on how to address the Palestinian issue, for example, by the Israeli right, which has to understand that this is not going to go away?” said Gargash.He also said that direct confrontation has not yielded any results for both Israelis and Palestinians. He also asserted that “We are very adamant about any annexation in the Palestinian territories.” He said that normalisation with Israel, “gave us leverage on the issue of annexation.”He said that the role of the "Palestinian Authority" remains central, but added that the UAE has “sometimes been a lonely voice in the call for reform.”While talking about the Israeli strike on Qatar, he said, “The Israeli strike in Qatar changed how we see Gulf security - Gulf security is connected.” He also commended the US efforts in the Gaza ceasefire deal and reminded that Qatar has the largest US base in the Middle East, "but concepts about Gulf security are changing.” The US remains central to stability in the Middle East.&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held a conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He said that the UAE "is ready to work with all parties to maintain the ceasefire and explore new paths to reduce escalation and achieve peace"Israeli Parliament on Wednesday moved a bill to annexe the Palestinian territories in the West Bank. The potential bill and its implementation can usher in another conflict in the region of West Asia.&nbsp;

UAE’s Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargesh reiterated that annexation of the West Bank is a ‘red line’ for Abu Dhabi, urging Israel to pursue compromise and balance between its security and the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, on Wednesday reaffirmed the Gulf nation's earlier stand that annexation of the West Bank is a ‘red line’ and urged against adopting a ‘maximalist view’. While speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit, Anwar Gargash said that compromise is necessary, and there is a need to find a balance between Israel's security and a viable Palestinian state. “Are we going to continue with this sort of maximalist views on how to address the Palestinian issue, for example, by the Israeli right, which has to understand that this is not going to go away?” said Gargash. He also said that direct confrontation has not yielded any results for both Israelis and Palestinians. He also asserted that “We are very adamant about any annexation in the Palestinian territories.” He said that normalisation with Israel, “gave us leverage on the issue of annexation.” He said that the role of the "Palestinian Authority" remains central, but added that the UAE has “sometimes been a lonely voice in the call for reform.” While talking about the Israeli strike on Qatar, he said, “The Israeli strike in Qatar changed how we see Gulf security - Gulf security is connected.” He also commended the US efforts in the Gaza ceasefire deal and reminded that Qatar has the largest US base in the Middle East, "but concepts about Gulf security are changing.” The US remains central to stability in the Middle East. Earlier on Wednesday, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held a conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He said that the UAE "is ready to work with all parties to maintain the ceasefire and explore new paths to reduce escalation and achieve peace" Israeli Parliament on Wednesday moved a bill to annexe the Palestinian territories in the West Bank. The potential bill and its implementation can usher in another conflict in the region of West Asia.

UAE’s Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargesh reiterated that annexation of the West Bank is a ‘red line’ for Abu Dhabi, urging Israel to pursue compromise and balance between its security and the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

UAE warns Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory is a 'RED LINE'

The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas decried the move and said it “reflects the ugly face of the colonial occupation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the move threatens the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. He is in Israel now following the visit of the US Vice President JD Vance.The bill was passed on Wednesday, following a narrow margin of 25-24 votes. The bill, referred to as "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was pushed by far-right MK Avi Maoz. It will now be discussed by the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.&nbsp;"They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president (Donald Trump) has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now," &nbsp;said Rubio.&nbsp;Hamas' statement called this a direct violation of international law. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is illegal and that Israel should withdraw its settlers."We affirm that the occupation's frantic attempts to annex West Bank lands are invalid and illegitimate and will not change the fact that the West Bank is Palestinian territory according to history, international law, and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice issued in 2024," said Hamas' statement.&nbsp;The United Arab Emirates, in September, indicated that West Bank Annexation would violate the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which was aimed at normalising Israel Arab relations.&nbsp;Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a statement, said that it denounces and condemns the Israeli Knesset's approval, reiterates its support for the “…historical right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital…”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Statement?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Statement</a> | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia&#39;s condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli Knesset&#39;s approval, in preliminary reading, of two draft laws aimed at imposing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and legitimizing Israeli… <a href="https://t.co/HGUJiuF9lw">pic.twitter.com/HGUJiuF9lw</a>&mdash; Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1981074732360618019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Oslo Accords of 1993 were meant to initiate a phased withdrawal of Israel from Palestinian territory in Gaza and the West Bank. The West Bank was divided into three areas: Area A under Palestinian civil and security control, Area B under Palestinian civil control and Israeli security control, and &nbsp;Area C under Israeli military and civil control. However, the planned Israeli withdrawal was never fully realised. As of mid-October 2025, there had been reports of at least 1000 attacks in the year, with 40,000 Palestinians forced from their homes in refugee camps in Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarm since October 7, 2023.

Israel’s parliament narrowly passes a bill to impose sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas condemned the move, and the US Secretary of State warned of its implications on the Gaza cease-fire deal

The Israeli parliament has preliminarily approved a bill that imposes Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas decried the move and said it “reflects the ugly face of the colonial occupation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the move threatens the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. He is in Israel now following the visit of the US Vice President JD Vance. The bill was passed on Wednesday, following a narrow margin of 25-24 votes. The bill, referred to as "Application of Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, 2025,” was pushed by far-right MK Avi Maoz. It will now be discussed by the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. "They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president (Donald Trump) has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now," said Rubio. Hamas' statement called this a direct violation of international law. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is illegal and that Israel should withdraw its settlers. "We affirm that the occupation's frantic attempts to annex West Bank lands are invalid and illegitimate and will not change the fact that the West Bank is Palestinian territory according to history, international law, and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice issued in 2024," said Hamas' statement. The United Arab Emirates, in September, indicated that West Bank Annexation would violate the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which was aimed at normalising Israel Arab relations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a statement, said that it denounces and condemns the Israeli Knesset's approval, reiterates its support for the “…historical right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital…”

Israel’s parliament narrowly passes a bill to impose sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Hamas condemned the move, and the US Secretary of State warned of its implications on the Gaza cease-fire deal

Israel's parliament approves bill for West Bank annexation, Rubio warns of a fallout

President Trump said a Gaza ceasefire deal is nearing, following talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and other Middle East leaders. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump expressed optimism for both a ceasefire and possible broader peace in the region.

Trump declares Gaza ceasefire deal 'pretty close' after Netanyahu call

Foreign ministers of 11 countries have asked the members of the European Union to help them find possible solutions to stop the West Bank annexation.

The top politicians have asked Joseph Borell, the EU foreign policy chief, for possible legal consequences for Israel if it moves forward with its plans to annex the disputed West Bank region.

"We concur that any&nbsp;annexation&nbsp;of Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 would be a violation of international law and imperil the foundations of the peace process," the ministers said in a statement after a joint video conference.

The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had set July 1 as the date when it could begin to annex Jewish settlements in the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;as well as the strategic Jordan Valley.

The move was endorsed by a Middle East plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump in January.

Netanyahu's office made no announcement on July 1 as expected, but said talks were continuing with US officials and Israeli security chiefs.

The EU has in recent weeks mounted a diplomatic campaign against&nbsp;annexation, highlighted by a visit to Jerusalem by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to raise a concern about the prospective plans.&nbsp;

But the bloc cannot threaten Israel with formal sanctions without unanimous support among members.&nbsp;

After occupying the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;in the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel began establishing a network of settlements the following decade. Construction continues to this day.

Foreign ministers of 11 countries have asked the members of the European Union to help them find possible solutions to stop the West Bank annexation. The top politicians have asked Joseph Borell, the EU foreign policy chief, for possible legal consequences for Israel if it moves forward with its plans to annex the disputed West Bank region.

Foreign ministers of 11 countries have asked the members of the European Union to help them find possible solutions to stop the West Bank annexation. The top politicians have asked Joseph Borell, the EU foreign policy chief, for possible legal consequences for Israel if it moves forward with its plans to annex the disputed West Bank region. "We concur that any annexation of Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 would be a violation of international law and imperil the foundations of the peace process," the ministers said in a statement after a joint video conference. The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had set July 1 as the date when it could begin to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank as well as the strategic Jordan Valley. The move was endorsed by a Middle East plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump in January. Netanyahu's office made no announcement on July 1 as expected, but said talks were continuing with US officials and Israeli security chiefs. The EU has in recent weeks mounted a diplomatic campaign against annexation, highlighted by a visit to Jerusalem by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to raise a concern about the prospective plans. But the bloc cannot threaten Israel with formal sanctions without unanimous support among members. After occupying the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel began establishing a network of settlements the following decade. Construction continues to this day.

European ministers seeking options to halt West Bank annexation

Plans by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to begin annexing parts of the occupied&nbsp;Palestinian territories&nbsp;from as early as Wednesday appeared in disarray as the country’s alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz, suggested annexation would have to wait while the country dealt with its coronavirus crisis.

The comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister, Benny Gantz, exposed a growing rift just weeks after their coalition government was sworn into office. It also raised questions about the viability of Netanyahu’s annexation plan.

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Netanyahu has said he wants to begin annexing occupied land as soon as this week in line with President Donald Trump’s Mideast plan. Trump’s envoy, Avi Berkowitz, is in Jerusalem this week working with Israeli officials on the contours of which land Israel can annex.

But in a meeting with his Blue and White party, Gantz said his top priority is helping the country cope with the health and economic crisis stemming from the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-cabinet-meets-to-finalise-annexation-plans-for-occupied-west-bank-309153">Israel's cabinet meets to finalise annexation plans for occupied West Bank</a>

“Anything unrelated to the battle against the coronavirus will wait,” he said.

Netanyahu appeared to dismiss Gantz’s concerns Monday, telling Likud members that he was working “discretely” with the Americans. “The issue does not depend on Blue and White,” he said.

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On Sunday, Netanyahu had asked evangelical supporters to lobby in favor of Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank as he expects evangelical leaders to put pressure on the White House to give Israel the green light.

Netanyahu has said he intends to extend Israeli sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley, as envisaged by a blueprint announced by US President Donald Trump in January under which Israel would control of 30 per cent&nbsp;of the West Bank.

International opposition has mounted in the past few weeks, with Palestinian leaders, the United Nations, European powers, and Arab countries allied with Israel all denouncing any annexation of land that Israeli forces captured in a&nbsp;1967 war.

&nbsp;

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Plans by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to begin annexing parts of the occupied Palestinian territories from as early as Wednesday appeared in disarray as the country’s alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz, suggested annexation would have to wait while the country dealt with its coronavirus crisis.

Plans by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to begin annexing parts of the occupied Palestinian territories from as early as Wednesday appeared in disarray as the country’s alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz, suggested annexation would have to wait while the country dealt with its coronavirus crisis. The comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister, Benny Gantz, exposed a growing rift just weeks after their coalition government was sworn into office. It also raised questions about the viability of Netanyahu’s annexation plan. Netanyahu has said he wants to begin annexing occupied land as soon as this week in line with President Donald Trump’s Mideast plan. Trump’s envoy, Avi Berkowitz, is in Jerusalem this week working with Israeli officials on the contours of which land Israel can annex. But in a meeting with his Blue and White party, Gantz said his top priority is helping the country cope with the health and economic crisis stemming from the coronavirus. Also read: Israel's cabinet meets to finalise annexation plans for occupied West Bank “Anything unrelated to the battle against the coronavirus will wait,” he said. Netanyahu appeared to dismiss Gantz’s concerns Monday, telling Likud members that he was working “discretely” with the Americans. “The issue does not depend on Blue and White,” he said. On Sunday, Netanyahu had asked evangelical supporters to lobby in favor of Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank as he expects evangelical leaders to put pressure on the White House to give Israel the green light. Netanyahu has said he intends to extend Israeli sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley, as envisaged by a blueprint announced by US President Donald Trump in January under which Israel would control of 30 per cent of the West Bank. International opposition has mounted in the past few weeks, with Palestinian leaders, the United Nations, European powers, and Arab countries allied with Israel all denouncing any annexation of land that Israeli forces captured in a 1967 war.

Israel leaders Netanyahu and Gantz at odds over West Bank annexation plan

An Israeli minister played down on Tuesday the likelihood of major moves to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank on July 1, the planned starting point for cabinet debate on the issue.

Zeev Elkin, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, said Israel still did not have the green light it seeks from Washington to begin extending its sovereignty to parts of the West Bank, territory Palestinians seek for a state.

Palestinian leaders, the United Nations, European powers and Arab countries have all denounced any annexation of land that Israeli forces captured in a 1967 war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/israel-leaders-netanyahu-and-gantz-at-odds-over-west-bank-annexation-plan-309532" hreflang="en">Israel leaders Netanyahu and Gantz at odds over West Bank annexation plan</a>

"Whoever painted a picture of everything happening in one day on July 1, did so at their own risk," Elkin, minister of higher education, told Army Radio when asked what would happen on Wednesday. "From tomorrow, the clock will start ticking."

No cabinet session for Wednesday has been announced.

US&nbsp;officials are in Israel as part of the White House's efforts to win consensus within its government for annexation as envisioned in an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan announced by President Donald Trump in January.

The proposal calls for Israeli sovereignty over about 30% of the West Bank - land on which Israel has built settlements for decades - as well as the creation of a Palestinian state under strict conditions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/israels-cabinet-meets-to-finalise-annexation-plans-for-occupied-west-bank-309153" hreflang="en">Israel's cabinet meets to finalise annexation plans for occupied West Bank</a>

Palestinians say the blueprint would make statehood, in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, unviable, and most world powers view Israel's settlements on occupied land as illegal. Netanyahu says the Jewish people have a legal, historic and moral claim to the West Bank, the biblical Judea and Samaria.

Netanyahu and his main coalition government partner, Defence Minister Benny Gantz, are at odds over annexation, which the right-wing prime minister has promoted.

In an interview with the YNet news site on Tuesday, Gantz repeated his call for Israel to try to enlist Palestinian and international support for the Trump plan before proceeding with a unilateral annexation move.

An Israeli minister played down on Tuesday the likelihood of major moves to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank on July 1, the planned starting point for cabinet debate on the issue.

An Israeli minister played down on Tuesday the likelihood of major moves to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank on July 1, the planned starting point for cabinet debate on the issue. Zeev Elkin, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, said Israel still did not have the green light it seeks from Washington to begin extending its sovereignty to parts of the West Bank, territory Palestinians seek for a state. Palestinian leaders, the United Nations, European powers and Arab countries have all denounced any annexation of land that Israeli forces captured in a 1967 war. Also read: Israel leaders Netanyahu and Gantz at odds over West Bank annexation plan "Whoever painted a picture of everything happening in one day on July 1, did so at their own risk," Elkin, minister of higher education, told Army Radio when asked what would happen on Wednesday. "From tomorrow, the clock will start ticking." No cabinet session for Wednesday has been announced. US officials are in Israel as part of the White House's efforts to win consensus within its government for annexation as envisioned in an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan announced by President Donald Trump in January. The proposal calls for Israeli sovereignty over about 30% of the West Bank - land on which Israel has built settlements for decades - as well as the creation of a Palestinian state under strict conditions. Also read: Israel's cabinet meets to finalise annexation plans for occupied West Bank Palestinians say the blueprint would make statehood, in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, unviable, and most world powers view Israel's settlements on occupied land as illegal. Netanyahu says the Jewish people have a legal, historic and moral claim to the West Bank, the biblical Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu and his main coalition government partner, Defence Minister Benny Gantz, are at odds over annexation, which the right-wing prime minister has promoted. In an interview with the YNet news site on Tuesday, Gantz repeated his call for Israel to try to enlist Palestinian and international support for the Trump plan before proceeding with a unilateral annexation move.

Israeli minister signals major West Bank annexation move not imminent

Israel's cabinet will meet on Sunday to finalise&nbsp;plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank despite facing criticism and threat of sanctions for it.

According to Prime minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp;Israel will ''apply sovereignty'' to up to 30 per cent&nbsp;of the West Bank, covering Israeli settlements and the rich agricultural lands of the Jordan Valley, from 1 July,&nbsp;in line with US President Donald Trump’s controversial so-called "Middle East plan".

Despite Netanyahu’s pledge to give the order to annex on Wednesday, he may be forced to dilute or delay the proposal after three days of deliberations at the White House last week ended without an endorsement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/israel-caught-in-the-middle-of-intensifying-rivalry-between-us-and-china-302292">Israel caught in the middle of intensifying rivalry between US and China</a>

Netanyahu had been counting on the backing of the Trump administration after it&nbsp;unveiled its “vision for peace”&nbsp;six months ago which said Jewish settlements in the West Bank,&nbsp;illegal under international law and the Jordan Valley would be incorporated into Israel.

The West Bank, which the Jewish state has occupied since the 1967 Middle East war, is home to as many as 3 million Palestinians and roughly 430,000 Israeli Jews living in scores of settlements.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/southern-israel-hit-by-two-rockets-from-gaza-israel-military-308965">Southern Israel hit by two rockets from Gaza: Israel military</a>

The plan, announced in January, proposes to establish a demilitarised Palestinian state on a patchwork of disjointed parts of the Palestinian territories.

This does not include occupied&nbsp;East Jerusalem, which the Palestinian Authority (PA) claims as the capital of a state it seeks.

Trump's Middle East plan has been largely met with scepticism and was rejected by Palestinian leaders, but Israel has taken it as a show of support for its plans to seize and extend its sovereignty over the&nbsp;occupied land.

On Friday, two rockets were fired from Gaza towards&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;a day after the Palestinian group Hamas warned that annexation amounted to a “declaration of war”. In response, Israeli air force jets struck two military facilities in the southern Gaza Strip, the army said.

The head of Mossad, the Israeli secret service, visited Amman last week to discuss the annexation plan with King Abdullah of Jordan after he&nbsp;warned of a “massive conflict” with Israel&nbsp;if it proceeded.

Israel's cabinet will meet on Sunday to finalise plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank despite facing criticism and threat of sanctions for it. According to Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel will ''apply sovereignty'' to up to 30 per cent of the West Bank, covering Israeli settlements and the rich agricultural lands of the Jordan Valley, from 1 July, in line with US President Donald Trump’s controversial so-called "Middle East plan".

Israel's cabinet will meet on Sunday to finalise plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank despite facing criticism and threat of sanctions for it. According to Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel will ''apply sovereignty'' to up to 30 per cent of the West Bank, covering Israeli settlements and the rich agricultural lands of the Jordan Valley, from 1 July, in line with US President Donald Trump’s controversial so-called "Middle East plan". Despite Netanyahu’s pledge to give the order to annex on Wednesday, he may be forced to dilute or delay the proposal after three days of deliberations at the White House last week ended without an endorsement. Also read: Israel caught in the middle of intensifying rivalry between US and China Netanyahu had been counting on the backing of the Trump administration after it unveiled its “vision for peace” six months ago which said Jewish settlements in the West Bank, illegal under international law and the Jordan Valley would be incorporated into Israel. The West Bank, which the Jewish state has occupied since the 1967 Middle East war, is home to as many as 3 million Palestinians and roughly 430,000 Israeli Jews living in scores of settlements. Also read| Southern Israel hit by two rockets from Gaza: Israel military The plan, announced in January, proposes to establish a demilitarised Palestinian state on a patchwork of disjointed parts of the Palestinian territories. This does not include occupied East Jerusalem, which the Palestinian Authority (PA) claims as the capital of a state it seeks. Trump's Middle East plan has been largely met with scepticism and was rejected by Palestinian leaders, but Israel has taken it as a show of support for its plans to seize and extend its sovereignty over the occupied land. On Friday, two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel a day after the Palestinian group Hamas warned that annexation amounted to a “declaration of war”. In response, Israeli air force jets struck two military facilities in the southern Gaza Strip, the army said. The head of Mossad, the Israeli secret service, visited Amman last week to discuss the annexation plan with King Abdullah of Jordan after he warned of a “massive conflict” with Israel if it proceeded.

Israel's cabinet meets to finalise annexation plans for occupied West Bank

The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has expressed hope that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The UN has been consistently conveying the message “that annexation would be not only against international law but it would be a major factor to destabilise the region”, he said in an interview.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-troops-kill-palestinian-who-tried-car-ramming-in-west-bank-police-308080">Israeli troops kill Palestinian who tried car-ramming in West Bank: Police</a>

He spoke ahead of a high-level UN security council meeting on Wednesday on the Mideast where Israel’s plans to annex around 30 per cent&nbsp;of the West Bank in line with US president Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan is certain to be a major topic.

Guterres will speak before briefings from Arab League secretary-general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and UN special coordinator, Nickolay Mladenov. France, which holds the council presidency this month, said half a dozen foreign ministers are expected to take part, along with the Palestinian foreign minister and Israel’s UN ambassador.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-mulls-two-phase-west-bank-annexation-306513">Israel's Netanyahu mulls two-phase West Bank annexation</a>

Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war and has built dozens of settlements that are now home to nearly 500,000 Israelis, but it never formally claimed it as an Israeli territory due to stiff international opposition.

The Palestinians, with wide international backing, seek the territory as the heartland of their future independent state.

The Trump administration has taken a much softer line toward Israeli settlements than its predecessors. With Trump’s reelection prospects uncertain this November, Israeli hardliners have urged their prime minister,&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu, to move ahead with annexation quickly. The Israeli leader’s new coalition deal includes an official clause allowing him to present his annexation plan to the government starting July 1.

Such a unilateral move would all but dash Palestinian hopes of establishing a viable independent state and is vehemently opposed by the Palestinians, Arab nations and most of the rest of the world.

Guterres said annexation “would undermine what I believe is necessary, which is a two-state solution in which Israelis and the Palestinians can live together in peace, respect each other, and guarantee each other’s security”.

“I hope that this voice of reason that is not only mine, it is echoing across the world, will be heard by the Israeli authorities and that annexation does not take place on July 1,” he said.

The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has expressed hope that Israel will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has expressed hope that Israel will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UN has been consistently conveying the message “that annexation would be not only against international law but it would be a major factor to destabilise the region”, he said in an interview. Also read: Israeli troops kill Palestinian who tried car-ramming in West Bank: Police He spoke ahead of a high-level UN security council meeting on Wednesday on the Mideast where Israel’s plans to annex around 30 per cent of the West Bank in line with US president Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan is certain to be a major topic. Guterres will speak before briefings from Arab League secretary-general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and UN special coordinator, Nickolay Mladenov. France, which holds the council presidency this month, said half a dozen foreign ministers are expected to take part, along with the Palestinian foreign minister and Israel’s UN ambassador. Also read: Israel's Netanyahu mulls two-phase West Bank annexation Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war and has built dozens of settlements that are now home to nearly 500,000 Israelis, but it never formally claimed it as an Israeli territory due to stiff international opposition. The Palestinians, with wide international backing, seek the territory as the heartland of their future independent state. The Trump administration has taken a much softer line toward Israeli settlements than its predecessors. With Trump’s reelection prospects uncertain this November, Israeli hardliners have urged their prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to move ahead with annexation quickly. The Israeli leader’s new coalition deal includes an official clause allowing him to present his annexation plan to the government starting July 1. Such a unilateral move would all but dash Palestinian hopes of establishing a viable independent state and is vehemently opposed by the Palestinians, Arab nations and most of the rest of the world. Guterres said annexation “would undermine what I believe is necessary, which is a two-state solution in which Israelis and the Palestinians can live together in peace, respect each other, and guarantee each other’s security”. “I hope that this voice of reason that is not only mine, it is echoing across the world, will be heard by the Israeli authorities and that annexation does not take place on July 1,” he said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres urges Israel to back away from West Bank annexation

The Arab League said Monday it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to galvanise opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, reported news agency AFP.

The extraordinary meeting -- scheduled for Thursday at the request of the Palestinian leadership -- will bring together Arab foreign ministers via video conference, rather than a face-to-face meeting, due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the report added.&nbsp;

The Arab League's deputy secretary Hossam Zaki said the ministers will "discuss in their virtual meeting providing political, legal and financial support to the Palestinian leadership to confront the Israeli plans".&nbsp;

The meeting comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz signed a deal for a unity government that could accelerate the premier's plans to annex parts of the West Bank in the coming months.&nbsp;

Those Israeli plans -- while subject to caveats, including the need to maintain "regional stability" and uphold the peace agreement with Jordan -- have drawn wide criticism including from the United Nations and the European Union.

Arab League chief Ahmed Ahmed Aboul Gheit had last week sent a message to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning against Israel's plans saying they risk "igniting tension in the region".&nbsp;

He also accused Israel of "exploiting the world's preoccupation with the novel coronavirus to impose a new reality on the ground".&nbsp;

Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War and has since extended its control by expanding its settlements there.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The Arab League said Monday it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to galvanise opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, reported news agency AFP.

The Arab League said Monday it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to galvanise opposition to Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, reported news agency AFP. The extraordinary meeting -- scheduled for Thursday at the request of the Palestinian leadership -- will bring together Arab foreign ministers via video conference, rather than a face-to-face meeting, due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the report added. The Arab League's deputy secretary Hossam Zaki said the ministers will "discuss in their virtual meeting providing political, legal and financial support to the Palestinian leadership to confront the Israeli plans". The meeting comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz signed a deal for a unity government that could accelerate the premier's plans to annex parts of the West Bank in the coming months. Those Israeli plans -- while subject to caveats, including the need to maintain "regional stability" and uphold the peace agreement with Jordan -- have drawn wide criticism including from the United Nations and the European Union. Arab League chief Ahmed Ahmed Aboul Gheit had last week sent a message to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning against Israel's plans saying they risk "igniting tension in the region". He also accused Israel of "exploiting the world's preoccupation with the novel coronavirus to impose a new reality on the ground". Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War and has since extended its control by expanding its settlements there. (With inputs from AFP)

Arab League to convene urgent meet over Israel's plans to annex West Bank