Starting from July 1st, 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?
University of Nottingham
Cattolica and ISPI
Pal-Think for Strategic Studies
Jordan Royal Court
Collège de France
ORSAM-CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES
European University Institute
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ISPI, Senior Research Fellow and Co-Head of the Middle East and North Africa Centre
ISPI Senior Research Fellow & Head of the MENA Centre
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Research Fellow & ISPI Associate Research Fellow