Israeli Settlers Express Frustration with Netanyahu's Indecision on Annexation

Despite a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a delegation of Israeli settlers, a leading settler said he left the meeting troubled because Netanyahu failed to provide assurances on annexation of the occupied West Bank. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, represented Israeli settlements in northern West Bank and flew to New York to meet Netanyahu as part of a delegation from the Yesha council, an umbrella body representing Israeli West Bank settlements. The meeting aimed to pressure Netanyahu to insist on annexation during his talks with US President Donald Trump, who has stated that he would not allow Israel to extend its sovereignty over the Palestinian territory it has occupied since 1967.

Key Takeaways:

• Settler leaders met with Netanyahu to pressure him to insist on annexation during his talks with US President Donald Trump.
• Netanyahu reportedly vowed to raise the issue of annexation with Trump but stressed that "we must navigate a complex reality."
• Dagan emphasized that the prime minister can apply sovereignty, which is what settlers expect of him.
• Trump has indicated that a deal to end the Gaza war is done and needs the buy-in of both Israel and Hamas.
• Arab leaders have repeatedly opposed any agreement that includes even partial annexation of the West Bank.

Statistics:

• Israeli West Bank settlements are represented by the Yesha council, an umbrella body.
• The Gaza war has lasted nearly two years.
• Trump has stated that he would not allow Israel to extend its sovereignty over the Palestinian territory it has occupied since 1967.
• 1967 is the year Israel occupied the Palestinian territory.

Sources:

• Yedioth Ahronoth
• Saudi Research and Publishing Co.