Israel’s far-right politician and Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has openly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on the annexation of the occupied West Bank.
Ben-Gvir disagreed with Trump’s remarks to TIME magazine, in which the U.S. president said:
“That will not happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries… Israel will lose all its support from the United States if that happens.”
Responding on X (Twitter), Ben-Gvir wrote:
“I have great appreciation for President Trump, who is undoubtedly the most pro-Israel American president. And yet, it’s important to emphasize: Israel is an independent, sovereign state – members of the Knesset vote according to their own judgment.”
He also commented on imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, saying:
“Barghouti is a despicable Nazi murderer, with the blood of many civilians, women, and children on his hands. He will not be released, nor will he lead Gaza.”
This exchange comes after Israeli lawmakers voted on October 25 to advance two bills aimed at annexing the occupied West Bank.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar clarified that the government would not push the legislation forward at this stage in order to support Trump’s multi-phase plan for Gaza, according to Reuters.
The construction of Israeli settlements has expanded significantly since 2022 under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, which includes ultranationalist partners advocating for the annexation of both the West Bank and Gaza.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Knesset’s move, stating that Israel has no sovereignty over Palestinian land.
Under international law, Israeli settlements in occupied territories are illegal, a position reaffirmed by an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued last year.
