Tel Aviv (International Desk): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed away from moving forward with plans to annex large parts of the occupied West Bank after a stern warning from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision marks a temporary retreat from one of the most controversial agenda items of his government and underscores the growing influence of regional diplomacy on Israel’s internal decision-making.
Agenda Shift in Cabinet Meeting
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu on Thursday removed the annexation plan from the government’s official agenda. The cabinet meeting, which was originally scheduled to discuss the application of Israeli sovereignty over large sections of the West Bank, instead focused on the escalating security crisis in Palestinian territories.
Unnamed sources cited by Israeli broadcasters reported that direct pressure from the UAE forced Netanyahu to rethink his immediate strategy. The Gulf state’s warning came amid concerns that any annexation would irreparably damage the Abraham Accords, the landmark 2020 agreement that normalized diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE.
UAE’s Clear Red Line
The UAE had recently delivered a sharp message to Netanyahu’s government, warning that any annexation of the West Bank would be viewed as a “red line.” Emirati Assistant Minister Lana Nusseibeh publicly stated that annexation would not only violate international norms but also undermine the fragile foundations of the normalization pact.
“Any attempt to annex occupied West Bank territory will be considered a red line and will jeopardize the Abraham Accords,” Nusseibeh emphasized.
The UAE’s intervention highlights the delicate balance of Israel’s regional diplomacy. While the 2020 normalization deal was hailed as a breakthrough in Arab-Israeli relations, its durability is now being tested by Israel’s domestic agenda.
Recent Push for Annexation
In the days leading up to the cabinet session, Israel’s Finance Minister had proposed a plan to annex nearly four-fifths of the occupied West Bank, sparking renewed controversy both domestically and internationally. The proposal drew harsh criticism from Palestinians, Arab governments, and international observers who warned that unilateral annexation would escalate conflict and destabilize the region.
For Palestinians, the prospect of annexation represents a further erosion of hopes for statehood. For Israel’s far-right coalition partners, however, it is viewed as a necessary step to consolidate control over land they consider historically and biblically integral to Israel.
Regional and International Fallout
The UAE’s warning added to the mounting international pressure already facing Netanyahu’s government. Several Western allies, including the European Union and the United States, have cautioned Israel against any unilateral action that could derail peace prospects and inflame tensions.
Within the Arab world, the UAE’s stance carries added weight due to its pioneering role in establishing official ties with Israel. Analysts believe that if Israel defies the UAE’s warning, it risks not only damaging its relationship with Abu Dhabi but also discouraging other Arab states from pursuing normalization agreements.
Shift to Security Concerns
By altering the cabinet agenda to focus on the deteriorating security situation in Palestinian areas, Netanyahu signaled a recalibration of his government’s priorities. Recent weeks have seen heightened violence in the West Bank, with Israeli forces conducting raids and clashes erupting in several towns and refugee camps.
Israeli officials framed the change as a pragmatic response to “urgent security challenges.” However, opposition leaders and analysts contend that the real driving factor was the risk of alienating a key regional partner.
The Abraham Accords Under Strain
The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 under U.S. mediation, were seen as a historic breakthrough in Arab-Israeli relations. For the UAE, normalization was contingent upon Israel shelving its annexation ambitions at the time. The current controversy has revived fears in Abu Dhabi that Israel might renege on those commitments.
If Netanyahu’s government resumes annexation efforts, it could unravel one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in recent Middle Eastern history. Moreover, it would likely embolden critics who argue that Israel has used normalization agreements as a cover to expand settlements and undermine Palestinian rights.
Palestinian Response
Palestinian officials cautiously welcomed Netanyahu’s decision to postpone annexation but warned that the threat has not disappeared. They reiterated their demand for international guarantees that Israel will abandon its plans permanently.
“This is not a cancellation, only a delay. The international community must hold Israel accountable to ensure that annexation never happens,” a Palestinian Authority spokesperson said.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s retreat from annexation discussions reflects the growing limits of Israel’s unilateral strategies in the face of international and regional pressures. While the decision may ease immediate tensions with the UAE, the underlying conflict over the West Bank remains unresolved.
The episode underscores how fragile the balance is between Israel’s domestic political calculations and its regional diplomatic commitments. For now, the UAE’s warning has delayed annexation, but whether it has stopped it permanently remains an open question—one that could define the trajectory of Middle East politics in the months to come.
