Russia has joined other friends of Israel in calling on it to go back on its plans to annex parts of the West Bank.
First secretary at the Russian embassy in Tel Aviv said the unilateral plans worry Moscow because they contradict with international law.
“Moscow has informed Israeli officials during several meetings held in recent weeks that the annexation will make Palestinian regions unlivable” in an independent state according to the 1976 borders, he added.
The United States’ so-called Deal of the Century peace proposal cannot eliminate the United Nations resolutions that designates the framework of the peace process, he stressed.
He described Israeli-Russian relations as “excellent”, adding that dialogue between the two parties was ongoing at the highest levels.
Diplomatic sources in Tel Aviv had revealed that friends of Israel in the European Union who had stood against taking punitive measures against it should it go ahead with annexation, said they have advised the Israeli government to halt its plans because they threaten to escalate tensions in Mediterranean and southern European nations.
They revealed that they have so far succeeded in thwarting efforts by Ireland, Luxembourg and others to impose economic sanctions against Israel. Sanctions must be the last resort, they explained.
Israeli media reported that four European leaders had recently warned Tel Aviv against annexation. They are French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
Macron was reported as advising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking “unilateral decisions,” warning that such moves would destabilize the Middle East. Dialogue lies with the Palestinians alone and the fair and balanced solution will grant Israelis peace, security and stability.
The annexation is creating deep divisions within Israel itself as Netanyahu has been vague about his plans. His new Defense Minister Benny Gantz has reportedly complained of his actions.
Political sources have wondered about what the PM’s annexation entails, is it the entire West Bank or just part of it? Does it include the Jordan Valley? What about the Israeli settlements? Will he coordinate with the Palestinians as Gantz has been demanding?
Gantz had gone so far as to meet with US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, to inquire about the plans.
