Borrell: Smotrich’s statements on annexing the West Bank are illegal and undermine international law

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, condemned the statements of Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich that next year will be the “year of annexation” of the West Bank.

The Wafa Agency quoted Borrell as saying in a post today on his account on the X platform: “I unequivocally condemn Minister Smotrich’s statements, which are a clear step towards illegal annexation. Such rhetoric undermines international law and violates the rights of the Palestinians.”

Borrell’s statements came in response to Smotrich’s announcement in a speech he gave yesterday during a meeting in the so-called “Knesset” that he “issued instructions to prepare for the extension of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank,” explaining that he seeks to implement this plan next year, and hopes for its support from the incoming US President Donald Trump.

The Israeli enemy media reported that the Prime Minister  of the occupation government, Benjamin Netanyahu, stressed during talks with his ministers in the past few days that “the annexation plan for large areas in the West Bank to “Israel” must be re-submitted,”

The Palestinian presidency condemned Smotrich’s statements, indicating that they are an extension of the war of extermination and displacement, and that they confirm to the entire world that the occupation has not been satisfied with its crimes, and that it will focus in the coming period on implementing the racist annexation and expansion plan and consecrating the occupation in defiance of the international community and its decisions, most notably the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly issued last September, which adopted the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding ending the occupation within 12 months.