Israel Minister Pledges “Sovereignty” Over West Bank Settlements

Israel’s FM Bezalel Smotrich pledged to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank by 2025, calling it an opportunity with Donald Trump’s potential return to power. Smotrich ordered preparations to apply “sovereignty” over the settlements, praising Trump’s prior support for Israel. Palestinians have long opposed Israeli settlements, calling them a barrier to peace and future statehood.