#west-bank-annexation

#west-bank-annexation

The plan precluded the future annexation of the West Bank, which so alarmed Netanyahu's allies in Israel that they dispatched Jewish settler leaders to the U.S. to talk him out of signing. Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, issued three demands: that the Palestinian Authority play no role in the future governance of Gaza; that Hamas completely disarm; and that there be no mention of a future Palestinian state. The proposal overlooked all three.

The intrigue: Netanyahu, who vehemently opposes a Palestinian state, will visit Trump in Washington after the assembly to seek his blessing for a strong response. The most extreme option under discussion is the annexation of most or all of the occupied West Bank. Driving the news: On Sunday, the U.K., Canada and Australia jointly announced recognition of Palestine. They were joined later by Portugal, bringing the total number of countries now recognizing Palestine over 150.

The White House has already sent invitations for the meeting, which is expected to take place on Tuesday at 2:30pm ET. The leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey have been invited to participate, according to the Arab officials. The White House wants the invited Arab and Muslim countries to take part in a post-war plan for Gaza and even send troops for a stabilization force that will replace the Israeli military, sources say.

Israel's next move will depend on the stance of President Trump, who blocked Israeli annexations twice in his first term. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Axios the administration doesn't yet have a position. "I don't know how extensive [the planned annexation] is. I'm not sure there is common view inside the Israeli government about where would it be and how much," he said. Some Israeli officials claim the Trump administration won't oppose annexation because they're so angry at the countries planning to recognize Palestine.