France and Germany Warn Israel on Annexation ‘Consequences’

Annexation of parts of Palestine’s West Bank would “have consequences for relations with Israel”, the Egyptian, French, German, and Jordanian foreign ministers said after video-talks Tuesday, reported EUobserver on Wednesday.
“Such a move would have serious consequences for the security and stability of the region and would constitute a major obstacle to efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace,” they added. The warning on “consequences” comes amid talk of potential EU sanctions.
The annexation was scheduled to be declared by Netanyahu on Wednesday.
But uncertainty surrounds Netanyahu’s position in light of widespread international criticism of the plan along with differences with the US on its application.
Annexation “will certainly happen in July,” but it has to be done in partnership with the US, Ofir Akunis, Israel’s regional cooperation minister, told Army Radio.
The annexation “will only happen after a declaration by Trump,” he added.
The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is viewed as occupied territory under international law, thus making all Jewish settlements there — as well as the planned annexation — illegal.
Palestinian officials have threatened to abolish bilateral agreements with Israel if it goes ahead with the annexation, which will further undermine the two-state solution.
The EU does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over territories it has occupied since 1967.
Grerman parliament expressed its strong opposition Wednesday to Israeli plans to annex.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that the Israeli move would threaten The annexation was scheduled to be declared by Netanyahu on Wednesday.
But uncertainty surrounds Netanyahu’s position in light of widespread international criticism of the plan along with differences with the US on its application.
Annexation “will certainly happen in July,” but it has to be done in partnership with the US, Ofir Akunis, Israel’s regional cooperation minister, told Army Radio.
The annexation “will only happen after a declaration by Trump,” he added.
The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is viewed as occupied territory under international law, thus making all Jewish settlements there — as well as the planned annexation — illegal.
Palestinian officials have threatened to abolish bilateral agreements with Israel if it goes ahead with the annexation, which will further undermine the two-state solution.
Like Turkey and much of the international community, the EU does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over territories it has occupied since 1967.
Parliament expressed its strong opposition Wednesday to Israeli plans to annex.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that the Israeli move would threaten the stability of the entire Middle East. “Peace cannot be reached through one-sided steps,” Maas told parliament in Berlin. /argumentum.al