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3. Ben Gvir and Smotrich Urge West Bank Annexation as Western Countries Recognize Palestinian State

Two Israeli far-right ministers on Sunday called for the annexation of the Israeli-occupied West Bank following the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state.

"The recognition by Britain, Canada, and Australia of a Palestinian state... requires immediate countermeasures: the swift application of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and the complete dismantling of the Palestinian Authority," National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said in a statement, using the Israeli name for the Palestinian territory.

"I intend to submit a proposal for applying sovereignty at the upcoming cabinet meeting."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has also repeatedly called for the annexation of the West Bank, made a similar statement.

"The days when Britain and other countries would determine our future are over. The mandate is over, and the only response to this anti-Israeli move is sovereignty over the historic homeland of the Jewish people in Judea and Samaria and permanently removing the folly of a Palestinian state from the agenda," Smotrich said on X.

"Mr. prime minister, the time is now and it is in your hands," he wrote.

AFP