Palestinian leadership warns of Israel's annexation plan

Before Federal Foreign Minister Maas visits Israel and Jordan, the Palestinian leadership warns of the consequences of Israel's plans for annexation. The Palestinians are displeased that Maas will not come to Ramallah.

Ramallah (dpa) - The Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtaje described Israel's annexation plans in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday as an "existential threat".

"This is against all signed agreements and international law," he told journalists in Ramallah. Such a move by Israel would endanger regional security.

Israeli government plans to annex Jewish settlements and the strategically important Jordan Valley in the West Bank in accordance with US President Donald Trump's Middle East plan. As a consequence, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has already canceled all agreements with Israel and the United States. The plans are highly controversial internationally: The EU also rejects unilateral decisions. The topic will also come up on Wednesday when Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) visits Israel and Jordan.

Maas plans to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gabi Aschkenasi and Defense Minister Benny Gantz in Israel.

Maas has decided against the usual visit to the Palestinian government in Ramallah, referring to the "difficult conditions" due to the corona pandemic. However, a video call with Shtaje from Jordan is planned, the second stop on the trip.

With the takeover of the EU Council Presidency on July 1, Germany will be directly confronted with the annexation issue, said Schtaje. "We know the history of the special German-Jewish relationship and we know how sensitive this topic is," he said. "But this shouldn't be at the expense of Palestinian rights."

Israel did not allow Maas to come to Ramallah when he visited, "and that is not a good sign," said Shaye. "Israel shouldn't dictate its political agenda." However, the German embassy was very clear, he said at the same time. "Germany has decided that it is against annexation and that is the message the minister will deliver to the Israelis."

There is a first discussion in the European Union about possible sanctions against Israel. "We hope there will be ramifications for Israel." It had to pay a price for the crew.

New violence and tensions in the region are feared if Israel pushes ahead with the plans. From July onwards, they could be submitted to Parliament for approval.

Shtaje, however, emphasized that the dissolution of the Palestinian Authority was "not on the agenda". They will continue to ensure peace and order in the Palestinian Territories. "We won't allow chaos."

In the event of annexation, the international community would be called upon to recognize a Palestinian state in the pre-1967 borders. "There will be a founding council and a constitutional declaration," he said. This would be "the moment of truth" for the Palestinians and the world community.

A few days ago, the Palestinian leadership also presented the Middle East quartet from the United States, Russia, the UN and the EU with an alternative to the Trump plan. "We proposed a demilitarized state, with minor border changes if necessary."

Israel conquered the West Bank and East Jerusalem during the Six Day War in 1967. The Palestinians are demanding the areas for their own state.