From the Liveblog of
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Justice minister urges West Bank annexation in response to French recognition of Palestinian state
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJeremy Sharon is The Times of Israel’s legal affairs and settlements reporter
Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin condemns French President Emanuel Macron’s announcement that France will recognize a State of Palestine, and says Israel’s response must be to annex the West Bank.
“French President Macron’s decision to recognize the fictitious Palestinian state is a black mark on French history and direct assistance for terrorism,” says Levin.
“It is time to apply Israeli sovereignty to Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley. This is the response of historical justice to the shameful decision of the French president,” he says, using biblical terms for the West Bank.
The Yesha Council, representing West Bank settlement municipal authorities, makes similar comments and says it is demanding that Israel respond to Macron’s announcement by “applying Israeli sovereignty” to the contested territory.
“The Knesset has supported [annexation], now it’s the turn of the government. The excuses have ended,” the Yesha Council says in reference to a non-binding motion in favor of annexing the West Bank approved 71 – 13 in the Knesset yesterday.
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