Israeli minister plans West Bank settlement annexation following Trump's election

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has ordered preparations for the annexation of settlements in the West Bank. He stated that his department will work on the infrastructure needed to apply Israeli sovereignty over these areas. Smotrich's announcement comes after Donald Trump's election as U.S. President, which he views as an opportunity for Israel. He emphasized that applying Israeli law to the settlements is essential to counter the threat of a Palestinian state. The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, with around half a million Israelis living in settlements considered illegal under international law. Smotrich aims to lead a government decision to gain recognition for this sovereignty from the U.S. and the international community.