Israel’s West Bank Annexation Plans Cause World Concern

While Israel continues to battle the Covid-19 virus, the proposed annexation of a portion of the West Bank (Judea/Samaria) is causing concern around the world.

On July 1st, Israel's new unity government is expected to present its strategy for implementing the Middle East "peace plan" that was drawn up by the Trump administration. The plan allows for Israel to annex large parts (up to 30 percent) of the West Bank, including the Jordan Valley, which Israel occupied in 1967. Annexing it would give Israel its first permanent eastern border.

Many in Israel say that the timing is right while Israel has the support of the current United States President. Others insist the plan could backfire and cause even more problems if President Trump is not reelected.

The biggest concern for everyone is that the annexation of the Jordan Valley could endanger Israel’s peace treaty with Jordan. Israel is currently enjoying a relatively peaceful existence with Jordan. A very large number of Palestinians live in Jordan and this change could anger them and destabilize that country. Any change in this region could fuel the fire for more terrorist attacks from Gaza as well.

Opposition to the Plan

Many countries are weighing in with their opinions and many with strong language. The foreign ministers of France and Germany have demanded Israel halt plans to annex parts of the West Bank.

Arab leaders have warned that annexation would threaten Israel’s progress in forging ties with their countries, in part over their common adversary in Tehran.

China is deeply concerned about reports of Israel's plan to annex part of the occupied Palestinian territory. The two-state solution is the only viable way forward to solve the Palestinian question (according to CGTN news).

In the United States, Democrats in Congress are warning against this move to annexation. The move is also opposed by the Democrat party’s presumptive presidential nominee, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., who favors a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Land Israel Already Owns

Once again, Israel finds herself in a sticky situation. Israel officially already owns the land. They have held the title to the entire land west of the Jordan River which was allotted to them from the British (British Mandate). The land was negotiated in 1947 in the UN Partition Plan but was rejected by the Arabs. Israel is only trying to take back the land that Israel allowed Palestinians to live on. The Palestinians have had this land in mind for creating their own Palestinian state.

Israel needs this land for security purposes as well as for their own settlements.

Prayer

Once again Song For Israel asks you to pray over this situation that could raise even more reasons for the world to hate Israel and for more attacks to be made against the land. Pray for wisdom for Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu and those he works closely with. Pray for protection even now as the Palestinians continue attacking while things are still in the planning phases.