Feb 18 β€’ 06:34 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Imposing Sovereignty and Displacing Palestinians: Goals of the Upcoming Israeli Phase

Israeli officials have outlined plans to assert sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and encourage Palestinian emigration.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen declared that the government is making practical steps towards what Israel terms 'imposing sovereignty' over the occupied West Bank, a move that effectively reinforces its existing occupation according to UN agreements. He described this pursuit as an 'inheritance from forefathers', reflecting a deep-rooted ideological commitment to controlling the territory. Concurrently, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced intentions to annul the Oslo Accords and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, emphasizing the urgency for extending complete Israeli sovereignty in the occupied territories.

During a conference for his party, Religious Zionism, Smotrich outlined his political vision for the upcoming government, should his party remain in power. He highlighted the need for what he termed 'voluntary immigration' of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, calling it 'the only solution' for the current situation. These statements indicate a clear policy direction that prioritizes settlement expansion and demographic change in the region, which has drawn significant Palestinian rejection and international criticism.

The remarks come in light of ongoing tensions and unrest in the region, emphasizing the Israeli government's intent to consolidate its claim over the occupied territories. Such plans not only jeopardize the prospect of a two-state solution but also signal a continued shift towards policies that may exacerbate dividers between Israelis and Palestinians, fostering further instability in an already volatile region. The anticipated actions have raised alarms and concerns among various stakeholders who advocate for a peaceful resolution and adherence to international law.

πŸ“‘ Similar Coverage