Israel's Controversial West Bank Sovereignty Push

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hopes to extend sovereignty over the West Bank, seeking support from the anticipated Trump administration. While no decision has been made, Israeli officials expect future discussions with the U.S., despite international opposition to settlement expansions.

Israel's far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced plans on Monday to push for sovereignty in the occupied West Bank by 2025. He intends to seek support from the incoming Trump administration in Washington.

Though no official decision has been made, discussions with the expected future U.S. administration are anticipated. Smotrich has long advocated for applying Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank, a region Palestinians envision as part of a future state.

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized at a Jerusalem news conference that their government has not yet committed to such actions, aligning with U.S. policies favoring a two-state solution.

(With inputs from agencies.)