Israeli Finance Minister Announces 82% West Bank Annexation Plan | 3 Sept 2025

Israeli Finance Minister Outlines Plan to Annex 82% of West Bank: A Threat to Peace

On 3 September 2025, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich unveiled a controversial plan that could reshape the future of the Middle East. Smotrich confirmed that he has instructed a Defense Ministry unit to prepare maps that would bring nearly 82% of the West Bank under Israeli sovereignty. According to his plan, only six major Palestinian cities—including Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron—would remain outside direct Israeli control. He argued that Israel must follow the principle of “maximum land, minimum Palestinians.”

This proposal immediately triggered uproar across the region. If implemented, the annexation would divide Palestinian territories into disconnected enclaves, making the creation of a viable Palestinian state virtually impossible. Smotrich insisted that Israel “must not miss this opportunity” to prevent the world from recognizing Palestine as an independent state.

Regional and International Reaction

The announcement drew sharp criticism from Arab nations. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)—which normalized ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords—warned that such actions crossed a “red line.” UAE’s Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, Lana Nusseibeh, stated that this move undermines the spirit of the accords and risks destabilizing the region.

Saudi Arabia also expressed alarm. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, emphasized that the two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace. This joint stance between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi signals a stronger Arab diplomatic pushback against Israeli unilateral moves.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the plan as a clear violation of international law, while Hamas warned that it would fuel resistance and instability across the occupied territories.

Globally, the timing is particularly sensitive. Several Western nations, including France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, are preparing to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session. Analysts say Smotrich’s plan is intended to block this momentum. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has already deemed Israeli settlements illegal, making this annexation drive a direct breach of international law.

Conclusion

Smotrich’s annexation plan is viewed as one of the most radical and dangerous proposals in recent Israeli history. Bringing 82% of the West Bank under Israeli sovereignty would not only eliminate any prospect of a two-state solution but also strain Israel’s ties with Arab nations and Western allies. The strong reactions from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian leadership, and global powers indicate that this move could push the region into a new era of crisis.

What was once opened as a pathway to peace through agreements like the Abraham Accords now appears to be closing under the weight of annexation ambitions.