Experts tell MEE new arrangement makes Bezalel Smotrich ‘governor’ of West Bank and deepens the ‘colonization of Palestine.’
by Oscar Rickett, Middle East Eye
Israel transferred large sections of the occupied West Bank’s administration from the military to a far-right cabinet minister on Thursday, in a move experts say amounts to “de jure annexation”.
The transfer was agreed between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Under the deal, Smotrich – who also serves as a minister in the defence department – will have broad authority over civilian issues in the occupied West Bank.
These include powers over unlicensed settler outposts, settlement planning and construction, and authority to appoint officials in the Civil Administration – Israel’s governing body in the West Bank.
It would mean a move from Israeli military governance, which has been the norm since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967, to civilian political administration. Israel has never formally annexed the West Bank, and even if it did, its status would nonetheless remain defined by international law as a “temporary military occupation”.
Recent Posts
All Democratic Presidential Candidates In 2028 Should Commit To Dismantling ICE
Take Action Now Since its inception, ICE has been designed to conflate issues of immigration with terrorist threats against the U.S.By Sam…
Trump Cuts Billions In Federal Childcare Funds For Democratic-Led States After Minnesota Fraud Scandal
Take Action Now Administration cites welfare fraud allegations as advocates and state leaders warn of political retaliation and sweeping harm to…
After The ICE Killing In Minneapolis, Will Truth Prevail?
Take Action Now Can Trump and Kristi Noem maintain their blatant lies in the face of multiple videos that show the victim was trying to drive away…
Venezuela And The Long Shadow Of The Monroe Doctrine
Take Action Now Critical historians like William Appleman Williams played a key role in highlighting the US’s imperial record in Latin America. Now…