British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on Israel to halt the controversial plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, writing on Wednesday in a Hebrew op-ed published in an Israeli newspaper, reported Xinhua.
"I profoundly hope that annexation does not go ahead," Johnson wrote in a rare appeal to Israelis, published on the front page of Israel's largest daily newspaper, Yediot Aharonot.
Johnson warned that annexation of parts of the West Bank, a territory seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and where the Palestinians wish to build their future state, will be "a violation of international law."
He warned that if Israel will go through with the move, "Britain will not recognize changes to the 1967 lines, except those agreed between the two parties."
Johnson said he was "fearful" that the annexation plan will fail to secure the borders of Israel and "will be contrary to Israel's own long-term interests."
He urged Israelis to return to negotiation talks with the Palestinians, which reached an impasse in 2014.
"It will demand a compromise from both sides," he said, adding that the only way Israel will achieve security is by reaching a peace deal that "will enable justice and security to both Israelis and Palestinians."
Johnson's remarks came on July 1, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set as the target date for the beginning of the annexation of the Jordan Valley, part of the West Bank.
On Tuesday, after meeting U.S. Special Representative for International Negotiations Avi Berkowitz, Netanyahu said that his government is still "working" on the annexation plan, suggesting that it will be postponed.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said on Wednesday that Israel's West Bank annexation plan is "unlikely" to begin on its July 1 set date.
"It seems unlikely to happen today," Ashkenazi said in an interview to Army Radio.
Ashkenazi is a member of Blue and White, a centrist party and Netanyahu's new partner in a power-sharing coalition government.
Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, leader of Blue and White, are at odds over the starting date of the annexation, with Netanyahu declaring July 1 as its start-date and Gantz wanting to postpone it until after the coronavirus crisis.
The annexation plan was received with widespread condemnations by the Palestinians, most of the Arab world, and the international community.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet urged Israel on Monday to halt the "illegal" plan.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
Do you think Israel will heed Prime Minister Johnson’s warning and halt the annexation of parts of the West Bank?
Given the strong stance put forth by Prime Minister Johnson, I believe Israel may reconsider its plans for annexation. International pressure can often lead to diplomatic shifts in actions taken by governments.
As an observer, I find it commendable that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is urging Israel to reconsider the annexation plan in the West Bank. It is crucial for both parties to prioritize negotiation and compromise rather than unilateral actions. International law must be respected, and a peaceful solution that ensures justice and security to all involved should be pursued.
I strongly believe that Prime Minister Johnson is right in urging Israel to reconsider the annexation plan. It is crucial that both parties engage in negotiation talks to achieve a lasting peace that ensures justice and security for all.
I sincerely believe that Prime Minister Johnson’s call for Israel to halt the annexation plan is crucial for promoting peace and upholding international law. It is essential for both Israelis and Palestinians to engage in meaningful negotiations to achieve a just and secure future.
As a journalist following international affairs closely, I believe it is crucial for Israel to heed the advice of British PM Johnson and reconsider their plans for annexation of the West Bank. His warning about the implications of such a move on international law and long-term interests is valid and should not be taken lightly.
As a believer in international law, I agree with Johnson’s call for Israel to halt the annexation of parts of the West Bank. It is crucial for both Israelis and Palestinians to return to negotiation talks in order to achieve a lasting peace and security in the region.
As an avid follower of international politics, I fully support Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s call for Israel to reconsider its annexation plans in the West Bank. It is crucial for both parties to prioritize dialogue and compromise for a sustainable and just peace settlement. I hope Israel heeds this warning for the benefit of all involved.
As a concerned citizen, I believe it is crucial for Israel to reconsider the plan of annexing parts of the West Bank. Prime Minister Johnson’s plea for halting the annexation is understandable and aligns with international law. It is important for both parties to engage in negotiations to achieve a peaceful solution that ensures security and justice for all.
Do you think the British Prime Minister’s plea to halt the annexation plan in the West Bank will have any impact on Israel’s decision-making process?
I believe that the British Prime Minister’s plea carries significant weight in the international community. Such appeals can influence decision-making processes by highlighting the potential consequences of certain actions. It’s crucial for Israel to consider the broader implications of annexation and the importance of international law in maintaining peace and security in the region.
As an avid supporter of international law and diplomacy, I couldn’t agree more with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s strong stance on urging Israel to reconsider the annexation of parts of the West Bank. It’s crucial for all parties involved to prioritize negotiations and work towards a peaceful resolution that ensures justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
As a long-time supporter of peace negotiations, I share Prime Minister Johnson’s worries about the annexation plan in the West Bank. It’s crucial for both sides to engage in dialogue and find a compromise that ensures security and justice for all. I truly hope Israel reconsiders its intentions and returns to the negotiating table for the sake of lasting peace in the region.