Netanyahu's party presses for Israel to take over the West Bank

Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is pressing for the formal annexation of the West Bank before the Israeli parliament’s summer recess on 27 July, the Times of Israel reported on Wednesday.

The party justified the annexation in a letter citing Israel’s “historic achievements” in its conflict with Iran, and claiming an “existential threat from within must be eliminated, to prevent another massacre in the heart of the country”. The letter was signed by all 15 Likud ministers in government. 

The letter also said the “strategic partnership, backing and support" from the US and President Donald Trump "made it a propitious time to move forward with it now, and ensure Israel’s security for generations”.

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Palestine, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, rejected such calls, saying they would only contribute to destabilisation and would not bring security to anyone, Wafa News Agency reported on Wednesday.  

Egypt also condemned the calls by the Likud party.

Annexing the West Bank would be illegal under international law.