Israel's Defense Minister Benny Gantz has told the army to step up preparations in parts of the West Bank, heightening the sense the government stands ready to make a possible dramatic announcement on annexation in the next few weeks.
In a statement Monday afternoon, Gantz said he had instructed the head of the Israel Defense Forces "to accelerate [its] preparations ahead of political steps on the agenda in the Palestinian arena." That language is widely understood as an instruction to the IDF to prepare for possible widespread violence by Palestinians, as well as other possible regional ramifications, if Israel moves to annex some of the occupied territory.Palestinians say Trump's deal is racist.
In what is being seen as a further indication that Gantz is now on board as well, the Defense Minister also met Monday with US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, one of the most outspoken advocates of extending Israeli sovereignty.The West Bank, along with East Jerusalem, was captured by Israel from Jordan during a short war in 1967.
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