Democracy, Populism, & Domestic Politics, Middle East Can the Netanyahu Government Annex Parts of the West Bank?

On Jan. 28, President Trump unveiled his administration’s “Peace to Prosperity” plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shortly thereafter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli government plans to hold a vote on the annexation of territories in the West Bank that the plan purports to designate for Israel as soon as next week. The Trump administration has sent mixed signals about its position with respect to the annexation vote, if it takes place. Senior officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have expressed their support. But Jared Kushner, who appears to have spearheaded the plan, has said that he hopes Israel will wait to consider annexation until after the upcoming Israeli elections on March 2. At this stage, it is unclear whether the government will hold the vote and, if it does, what portion of territory it will vote on.

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