Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin urges immediate annexation of the occupied West Bank, calling it a “historic opportunity” and essential for Israel’s security amid rising settler violence and ICJ condemnation.
“Time for Sovereignty”: Yariv Levin Pushes West Bank Annexation
In a bold and inflammatory statement, Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin has publicly urged his government to accelerate the annexation of the occupied West Bank, framing it as a “historic opportunity” that Israel cannot afford to miss. Speaking during a meeting with the head of the settler council, Levin reiterated a long-held position that seeks to formalize control over land internationally recognized as occupied Palestinian territory.
“The time has come for sovereignty, the time to exercise sovereignty,” Levin declared, according to The Times of Israel.
Levin described the West Bank not only as “the heart of Israel” but as a “security belt”, reinforcing the strategic argument often used to justify expansion into Palestinian lands.
Controversial Push Amid Growing International Outcry
Levin’s call comes at a time of deepening global scrutiny. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in July 2024 that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is illegal, demanding the evacuation of all settlements. The ruling echoed long-standing positions of the United Nations and Palestinian authorities, who have described Israeli settlements as a direct violation of international law.
Despite this, the Israeli settler population continues to expand rapidly. As of late 2024, Palestinian reports estimate 770,000 illegal settlers living across 180 settlements and 256 outposts, many classified as agricultural or pastoral encroachments.
Rising Settler Violence: A Deadly Reality
Data from Israeli sources paints a grim picture. In the first half of 2025, settlers carried out 414 violent attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank—a sharp increase from the previous year.
Palestinian authorities report that since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, the West Bank has seen 988 Palestinians killed and over 7,000 injured, both by Israeli forces and settlers.
This wave of violence has drawn condemnation from rights organizations and global leaders, who view it as part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinians and entrench de facto annexation.
Political Timing and Strategic Intent
Levin’s remarks are not isolated—they reflect growing sentiment within the right-wing and settler-aligned factions of Israel’s ruling coalition. Analysts suggest that the government sees the current geopolitical landscape—marked by ongoing war in Gaza and weakened international leverage—as a window to cement control over contested territories without immediate repercussions.
The Justice Minister’s declaration adds fuel to the fire of an already volatile conflict and risks further escalation, not only within the West Bank but across the entire region. For Palestinians, it’s a signal of entrenched occupation; for the international community, a direct challenge to the rule of law and global consensus.
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