The Intelligence from The Economist Unsettled question: Israel’s annexation threat
Jul 2, 2020
Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, and Tim Judah, the Balkans correspondent, dive into pressing geopolitical issues. They discuss Israel's controversial plans for West Bank annexation and the surprising lack of priority it holds among Israelis, as well as the lukewarm international response. They also dissect the indictment of Kosovo's president for war crimes, which complicates vital peace talks with Serbia. Additionally, they touch on the interesting taxation practices in Sierra Leone, where luxury homes face the same rates as tin-roofed shacks.
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Annexation's Rise
- Annexation of the West Bank, once a fringe idea, gained traction when Prime Minister Netanyahu tied it to reelection.
- This shift followed Trump's peace plan, which allocated parts of the West Bank to Israel.
Lukewarm Support
- Israeli public support for annexation is lukewarm, with many prioritizing COVID-19 and economic recovery.
- Even Israeli settlers have concerns, fearing the Trump plan's implications for a future Palestinian state.
Arab World Reactions
- Arab world opposition is largely rhetorical, with some states like Egypt remaining silent.
- While Jordan expresses concerns, Gulf states' shared interests with Israel may outweigh annexation disagreements.