Saudi Arabia Warns Israel: West Bank Annexation Will Have Serious Consequences

According​ to the english section of webangah News ⁣Agency, citing‌ Mehr News Agency, the Palestinian Ma’an News Agency revealed through Israeli television that Saudi Arabia has sent a ⁣stern diplomatic message to ‍Israel. The message ⁣warned that any⁣ annexation of Palestinian territories, even partial, would block ​the possibility of normalizing relations and weaken the Abraham‍ Accords.

The report states that several⁣ Saudi political figures have privately expressed ⁢complete ‌opposition to annexation in ‌communications with Israel-even if it is indeed limited to the Jordan Valley.

The messages conveyed to Israel read: “taking‍ any step toward annexing any part of the West Bank will have meaningful ⁤consequences at all levels.”

Israel’s Channel 12 ​reported that Saudi Arabia’s warning is⁢ clear⁤ and concise: annexation will close the door on⁣ any⁢ future ⁢agreements with Israel.

Notably, Israeli ⁢Prime Minister Benjamin ‌Netanyahu signed off on September 10 on the “E1” plan to expand​ settlements near Jerusalem ⁢as part ‌of extending Israeli sovereignty over parts‍ of the west⁣ Bank.

Several ‌American and Israeli officials told Axios that‍ U.S. Secretary of State‌ Mike Pompeo plans to discuss⁣ parts of West bank annexation during his upcoming visit to Jerusalem.

Accordingly, Pompeo has implicitly indicated ​in off-the-record meetings⁤ with Israeli officials that he does not oppose annexation and ⁣that the U.S. government ‌will not obstruct this⁢ move.

Though,​ a senior U.S. official told Axios that⁤ Israeli claims ‌about Washington’s green light for ​annexation have raised concerns within the Trump⁢ administration. These claims are seen as ⁤pressure aimed at limiting White House options.

A recent series of internal⁤ discussions between ‌White House and State Department officials aims to clarify Washington’s position regarding annexation plans and prevent misunderstandings about ‌its official stance, Axios added.