Israel’s Annexation Plan: A Middle Eastern Perspective

Starting from July 1^st, Israel was expected to initiate the annexation of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, in what would be a major – and highly controversial – act. Detailed in US President Donald Trump’s “Middle East plan” released in January, the move was announced as part of the agreement that returned Benjamin Netanyahu to office as head of Israel’s national unity government in May. Questions are mounting over whether Israel may delay the deadline for annexation. Should it take place, however, the move would not only jeopardize the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the prospects of a two-state solution, but it could also have a major impact on regional stability, experts and global leaders warn. How will regional powers react? Will actions follow the global condemnation of Netanyahu’s plan? And what would the annexation mean for the future of the Middle East?