Jordanian King Rejects Any Israeli Attempts to Annex West Bank

(Patria) - Jordanian King Abdullah II, during a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, affirmed his "absolute rejection" of any Israeli efforts to annex the occupied West Bank, the royal palace announced, AFP reported.

The message came after several Israeli officials suggested they might proceed with annexing large parts of the territory in response to Western governments' moves to recognize Palestinian statehood this month.

According to the palace statement, King Abdullah reiterated "Jordan's absolute rejection of any Israeli measures aimed at annexing the West Bank and forcing Palestinians to leave." He also rejected all plans for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or for the separation of the two Palestinian territories.

He was joined by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in opposing Israeli plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.

They also rejected "Israeli plans aimed at prolonging the occupation of Gaza and expanding military control".

The United Arab Emirates warned this week that annexation would be a "red line".

This issue was a key point during US-led negotiations on normalizing Abu Dhabi's relations with Israel within the framework of the 2020 Abraham Accords.

The Jordanian King has repeatedly stated that Jordan will never be a "substitute country" for Palestinians, amid suggestions from the United States and Israel that third countries could host those displaced from Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned on Sunday that the recognition of a Palestinian state by Western countries could provoke "unilateral" measures by Israel.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the annexation of the West Bank in response this week.