what does it mean to annex the west bank

To annex the West Bank means for Israel to formally extend its sovereignty and legal control over the territory, which is currently occupied and administered under a complex system. Annexation would involve Israel claiming the land as its own, applying its laws there, and possibly expanding settlements, military presence, and infrastructure. This move goes beyond the current status where Israel controls many aspects of the area but stops short of outright sovereignty. Specifically, annexing the West Bank would mean Israel asserts full legal and political sovereignty over the region, including areas referred to as Judea and Samaria, and potentially the Jordan Valley. This would mark a significant change from the current occupation status by undermining the Palestinian Authority's claims and control, effectively opposing any future Palestinian statehood aspirations. Annexation is highly controversial and seen as a violation of international law by many countries and organizations. It risks destroying the possibility of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The Israeli parliament passed a symbolic motion in favor of annexation recently, but it lacks legal force. The issue remains sensitive internationally, with strong opposition from Palestinians, Arab nations, European countries, and even the current US President Donald Trump, who has stated he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. In summary, annexing the West Bank means Israel formally incorporating this territory into its sovereign land, which would sharply change the political and legal status of the area and have profound implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional stability.