More than 75 Democrats in Congress are urging the Trump administration to take action against Israeli efforts to annex the West Bank, including the possibility of sanctions, to preserve the viability of a future Palestinian state.
Lawmakers Demand Action on West Bank Annexation
The lawmakers jointly urged the U.S. to communicate to Israel the negative consequences of pending legislation and planned construction of settlement housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank, outside of Jerusalem. They also called for the reimposition of Biden-era sanctions and condemnation of de-facto annexation by Israeli settlers.
“U.S. leadership is crucial at this moment. We need tangible steps to back these words with action, if we are to preserve the cease-fire in Gaza and the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict,” wrote the lawmakers, led by Sen. Peter Welch and Rep. Ro Khanna.
The statement highlighted concerns that segments of the Israeli government are committed to advancing Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, citing preliminary approval of draft bills to impose Israeli sovereignty and consideration of other bills that would formalize annexation.
Lawmakers specifically expressed concern over bills that would expand Jerusalem’s municipality to include settlements north, east, and south of the city.
The recent approval of the E1 settlement project, east of Jerusalem, is also a concern, as it could divide the West Bank into northern and southern enclaves, severing Palestinian land contiguity and undermining the possibility of a future Palestinian state, according to the statement.
The lawmakers also emphasized concerns about “de-facto annexation” through violence, intimidation, and displacement of Palestinian communities in areas including Taybeh, Wadi Foquin, Silwan, and Al-Walaja.
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