The Palestinian Foreign Ministry accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to revive the peace plan of former US President Donald Trump, known as the “deal of the century.”
In a surprising statement, Netanyahu told Hebrew media that no annexation of the West Bank will take place without the approval of US President Joe Biden.
“Without the approval of the United States president, I will not be applying sovereignty – and I have said that from the first moment.”
However, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Netanyahu is trying to reiterate that the annexation plan is still negotiable and has not been canceled, even after the election of the new president.
Netanyahu wanted, through his statements, to suggest that he will not annex parts of the occupied West Bank without Biden's approval, according to the statement.
The Ministry asserted that the annexation plan is being gradually applied in Area C, which makes up the vast majority of the occupied West Bank, regardless of Washington's approval.
It asserted that Israel continues with ethnic cleansing and forcible displacement practices against Palestinian citizens from Jerusalem and Area C.
Netanyahu is trying to reassure the settlers, their leaders, and the right-wing parties that he will not give up on annexing the occupied West Bank, according to the Ministry.
The Ministry strongly rejected and condemned Netanyahu's positions and "his malicious intentions in trying to legalize annexation in any form.”
The international community will not be deceived by Netanyahu’s tricks, the Ministry noted in its statement.
Washington must take a clear stance that reaffirms the international positions rejecting annexation in any form, especially since Israel’s behavior terminates chances of achieving peace and establishing a viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
