Economist Podcasts Unsettled question: Israel’s annexation threat
Jul 2, 2020
In this discussion, Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, analyzes the shifted perspective on Israel's plans for West Bank annexation and the lukewarm international support. Tim Judah, the Balkans correspondent, shares insights into Kosovo's president Hashim Thaci's war crimes indictment, complicating the fragile negotiations with Serbia. They explore the broader implications for regional stability and peace initiatives, showing how global and local politics interact in these critical scenarios.
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Annexation's Rise
- Annexation of the West Bank, once a fringe idea among the Israeli right, has become a serious consideration.
- Driven by Netanyahu's election promises and the Trump peace plan, it has moved into the mainstream political discourse.
Lukewarm Support
- Public support for annexation in Israel is lukewarm, with at most half the population in favor.
- Most Israelis prioritize addressing COVID-19 and economic recovery over immediate annexation.
Arab World's Reaction
- While rhetorically opposing annexation, Arab states' responses vary.
- Egypt remains silent, Jordan expresses concern, and Gulf states, despite shared interests with Israel, voice public criticism.