Smotrich vows to encourage Palestinian emigration, annex West Bank in next government

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined an aggressive agenda for Israel's next government during a Tuesday night conference of illegal West Bank settlers, pledging to encourage Palestinian emigration, scrap the Oslo Accords, and advance formal annexation of occupied territory. The leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party described Palestinian departure from the West Bank and Gaza as "a long-term solution to the conflict."

Annexation and Oslo's Demise

Smotrich stated his intention to "cancel the Oslo Accords" with the Palestinian Authority and push forward with steps to impose what he termed "Israeli sovereignty" over the West Bank. He asserted that the next government must "dismantle the idea of a Palestinian state and change the current political and security reality." Palestinians warn such actions pave the way for formal annexation, extinguishing prospects for a UN-recognized Palestinian state.

Trump Administration as "Window"

Smotrich linked his ambitions to US President Donald Trump's term, calling it a "window of opportunity" to enact sweeping changes including "dismantling the Palestinian Authority and disarming the West Bank." He also aims to extend the "settlement revolution" to the Negev and Galilee, claiming it is "necessary to strengthen the Jewish population presence there." Israel is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections by October unless called earlier.

Ongoing Context and International Law

Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have intensified West Bank operations involving killings, arrests, demolitions, displacement, and settlement expansion. The international community and UN do not recognize Israel's 1967 occupation and consider settlements illegal. Of 193 UN member states, 160 recognize Palestine; the US has vetoed full Palestinian membership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been wanted by the ICC since 2024 for alleged Gaza war crimes.