The European Union has announced that it will try to stop the proposed annexation of parts of the West Bank by Israel. The EU´s foreign policy chief, Josep Borreli, stated after a meeting of EU foreign ministers that “We must work to discourage any possible initiative toward annexation”. Also added that the Union was looking forward to work with Israel’s new government but expected international law to be upheld.

This statement flow plans from the upcoming Israeli government that expressed in its plan of action the intention to annex settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley as soon as next July. This plan of establishing Israeli sovereignty over these regions goes in line with the plan presented by President Donald Trump in January as a way to allow for peace in the region. This plan intended to establish a recognised Palestinian state formed by 70% of the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip and having East Jerusalem as the capital city.

The Palestinian have rejected the solution offered by the United States as they considered that it would deny their rights and result in the lost of part of the territory that they claim, which are considered to be illegally occupied by Israel since 1967. In these territories there were built over 140 settlements with around 600.00 inhabitants, scattered around the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, a claim disputed by Israel.

Following these plans, some EU states called for stricter measures on the issue, even instating sanctions if the plans are followed trough. Also, neighbours’ countries including Jordan and Egypt advised against the proposed annexation.