European leaders write to Netanyahu in opposition of West Bank annexations: report

European leaders write to Netanyahu in opposition of West Bank annexations: report
European leaders have written personal letters to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to reconsider plans to annex parts of the West Bank.
2 min read
27 May, 2020
Israel said it will begin annexing parts of the West Bank in July [Getty]
Several European leaders have recently sent letters urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, according to a Tuesday Axios report.

European nations have previously expressed opposition to Israel's West Bank annexation ambitions, deeming them a violation of international law and detrimental to prospects of peace.

On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron wrote Netanyahu to say the annexation plans will "undermine stability in the Middle East", and dialogue with Palestinians alone will give Israel "peace, security and stability", according to Axios.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also wrote a letter in coordination with France, Axios reported, citing European and Israeli officials.

Spain and Italy's prime ministers have also emphasised the need for negotiations with Palestinians and respect for international law.

Israel's annexation plans, which is backed by the US and rejected by the Palestinians, have drawn international opposition.

Aside from most of the EU's push to dissuade Israel from annexing parts of the West Bank, Turkey has previously stated it will "not allow" Israel to move forward with its plans.

Jordan, which has signed a peace treaty with Israel, warned of a "massive conflict" and said it would review its relationship with Israel if annexation plans move ahead.

Last week, the top United Nations envoy in the Middle East told Israel it should abandon its annexation prospects, warning that going ahead would violate international law and deal "a devastating blow" to the two-state solution.

US presidential hopeful Joe Biden has also announced his opposition to Israel's annexation of the occupied West Bank, saying such a move will "undercut the prospects for peace".

Israel said it will begin annexing parts of the West Bank in July.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected