The Annexation Script: From 'Criticism' to Reality
THE CLAIM: 'Criticism' of Annexation Al-Monitor, citing Reuters, reports that Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE are 'condemning' Israel’s expansion of powers in the West Bank. These new measures aim to streamline Jewish settlement activity and extend Israeli authority into areas technically under Palestinian control, moves described by unnamed critics as a step towards 'annexing occupied land.'
THE EVIDENCE: Systemic Expansion, Orchestrated Condemnation The described actions— "making it easier for Jewish settlers to buy land" and giving "Israeli authorities more power to act in areas supposedly under full Palestinian control”—are not novel. They represent an acceleration of a long-term strategy of de facto annexation. The 2017 'Regularization Law' (since struck down by the High Court)
attempted to retroactively legalize settler homes built on private Palestinian land, demonstrating prior intent (B'Tselem, 2017). This new decree bypasses previous ministerial approvals. The 'criticism' from Arab states follows a well-worn path; it often includes vague statements that do not translate into significant diplomatic or economic pressure. THE CONTRADICTIONS: Double Standards and
Performative Diplomacy In 2020, when Israel openly discussed formal annexation of parts of the West Bank, major Arab states (including those now 'criticizing') ultimately normalized relations with Israel via the Abraham Accords (UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco). The 'criticism' then was much stronger, yet the outcome was unprecedented recognition. This current round of 'condemnation' appears designed