Israeli Minister Advocates West Bank Annexation Amid Trump Support

Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has initiated preparations for annexing settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, aiming to apply Israeli sovereignty over the area. This move, likely influenced by domestic political motives and the potential support from a Trump administration, has been condemned by the Palestinian Authority as a colonial and racist act. Smotrich's announcement reflects his long-standing opposition to a Palestinian state and his desire to integrate West Bank settlements under Israeli law.