NJN Warns of Rising Threat of Annexation by Israel’s Government
Israel’s Finance Minister said today that Israel was “closer than ever” to rebuilding settlements in Gaza. His comments followed a security cabinet meeting last night in which the possibility of Israel’s annexing of Gaza was reportedly discussed.
These are disturbing developments. They show us that the Israeli government has adopted a dangerous strategic mindset rooted in permanent Israeli military control of the Palestinians. This approach would compel Israelis to live forever by the sword.
These Gaza settlement plans are also being mirrored by settlement activity in the West Bank. Here are three recent examples:
Last week, the Knesset passed a resolution declaring the West Bank “an inseparable part of the Land of Israel.” While non-binding, the resolution explicitly calls for annexing all settlements.
Earlier this month Israel unilaterally took over administrative control of the Cave of the Patriarchs/Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, a site holy to both Muslims and Jews. This move strips Palestinians of their role in managing the site, violates longstanding agreements, and risks igniting dangerous religious tensions. Our colleagues at Peace Now have published a detailed report on the implications of this decision.
Next week, the Israeli government is expected to advance the E1 settlement plan, a project widely described as a “death blow” to the two-state solution. Construction in E1 would bisect the West Bank and cut off Palestinian population centers from one another, making a future Palestinian state effectively impossible. Peace Now's Settlement Watch program has put out a report on this news.
“Each of these actions is dangerous,” said Hadar Susskind, President & CEO of New Jewish Narrative. “Taken together, they paint a terrifying picture for where the Israeli government is taking the country. We are sounding the alarm. The United States and the Jewish communities around the world must respond with urgency and clarity. Annexation is illegal, immoral, and will bring about catastrophic outcomes for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
