RAMALLAH: Presidential spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, stated that comments by Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank indicate the Israeli government’s intent to finalize its control plans by 2025. He highlighted ongoing issues, including actions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, particularly in Jerusalem.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Abu Rudeineh criticized Smotrich’s comments as a confirmation of Israel’s new occupation strategy aimed at annexation and expansion in the West Bank. He argued that this plan challenges international community resolutions, specifically the United Nations General Assembly’s efforts to enforce the International Court of Justice’s decisions.
Abu Rudeineh held Israeli authorities accountable for the consequences of these policies, which he suggested could destabilize the region. He also criticized the U.S. administration for its continued support of Israel, which h
e believes enables ongoing actions that defy international law and legitimacy.
The spokesperson urged global nations to pressure Israel to abandon its current approach by considering actions such as reevaluating diplomatic relations and potentially suspending Israel’s United Nations membership. Abu Rudeineh emphasized the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state by 2025, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He dismissed Smotrich’s plans as unlikely to succeed against the perseverance of the Palestinian people, reaffirming their commitment to their land and principles.