Israel has announced plans to expand its military operation in Gaza while signaling its intention to annex large parts of the West Bank, in a move widely seen as an attempt to block upcoming European efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations.
During a visit to Israeli forces on the outskirts of Gaza City, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir declared the launch of the second phase of “Gideon’s Chariots,” pledging to continue striking Hamas positions until the group is defeated. He emphasized that rescuing Israeli hostages remained both a “moral and national mission.”
At the same time, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a leading figure of Israel’s far-right Religious Zionism party, unveiled a plan calling for the annexation of up to 82% of the West Bank. Presenting a map of what he described as the “final borders,” Smotrich argued that Israel must assert sovereignty over what he referred to as Judea and Samaria to prevent the creation of what he called a “terrorist state.”
Smotrich has long opposed Palestinian statehood and has pushed policies to expand settlements, including advancing plans for a controversial development east of Jerusalem. The Defense Ministry also declared large portions of the West Bank as state land this week, further entrenching Israeli control.
The proposals drew swift international criticism. The United Arab Emirates’ ambassador to the UN, Lana Nusseibeh, warned that annexation would cross a “red line” and undermine prospects for regional integration, directly challenging the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Even U.S. officials, including Ambassador Mike Huckabee, expressed concerns that the measures could destabilize the Palestinian Authority—an outcome Washington seeks to avoid.
The developments come just days before the UN General Assembly on September 9, where France, Belgium, and other European governments are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state. The prospect has provoked strong opposition from Israel and the United States, with the Trump administration moving to bar all Palestinian officials, including Mahmoud Abbas, from obtaining U.S. visas.
