Asked for comment on Smotrich ‘annulment’ of Hebron agreement, US reiterates opposition to West Bank annexation

Asked for comment on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s declared annulment of Israel’s 1997 Hebron agreement with the Palestinians, a US State Department spokesperson reiterates Washington’s opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank.

Smotrich claimed earlier Tuesday to have “abolished” components of the Hebron agreement that gave the Palestinian municipal council of Hebron authority over planning, zoning and construction in parts of the southern West Bank city.

In an apparent attempt at damage control, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement denying that the Hebron agreement had been canceled, insisting that the government was merely transferring specific jurisdictions pertaining to settlers and holy sites in the city following a lack of cooperation from the local Palestinian municipality.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has refrained from actively weighing in of its own volition, and his State Department in particular has largely refrained from publicly criticizing Israel.

However, the State Department did send a statement to querying reporters that hinted at displeasure with the Smotrich-led move.

“As the president has clearly stated, he does not support Israel annexing the West Bank,” reads the statement attributed to a State Department spokesperson.

“A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region,” the statement continues. “We refer you to the Israeli government for questions on their policies in the West Bank.”