German FM in Israel warns against West Bank annexation plans

Germany's foreign minister was holding talks with his counterpart in Israel on Wednesday to convey Europe's stiff opposition to Israeli plans to begin annexing parts of West Bank.

visit to Jerusalem, Heiko Maas’ first trip outside of Europe since outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, comes just weeks before Israel intends to extend its sovereignty over Jewish West Bank settlements, in line with President Donald Trump’s controversial Mideast plan.

It has come under harsh criticism from some of Israel’s closest allies, including Germany, who say that unilaterally redrawing Mideast map would destroy any lingering hopes for establishing a Palestinian state and reaching a two-state peace agreement.

“Many people in Israel — and also in European Union — are preoccupied with current developments in Middle East peace process and possible annexation plans,” Maas said prior to his departure. “Germany remains committed to goal of a negotiated two-state solution. We will also talk about this and I will underline that we are rey to support all initiatives to revive talks between Israelis and Palestinians.”

Germany, alrey a key European power broker, will be taking over rotating presidency of Council of European Union and assuming presidency of U.N. Security Council next month.

After meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, Maas is also scheduled to consult with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Later in day, he will travel to neighboring Jordan to meet his counterpart re and hold a conference call with Palestinian leers.

U.S. plan envisions leaving about one third of West Bank, which Israel captured in 1967, under permanent Israeli control, while granting Palestinians expanded automy in remainder of territory. Palestinians, who seek all of West Bank as part of an independent state,

In response, y have cut off key security ties with Israel and say y are longer bound to agreements signed. moves have raised concerns of a return to violence if annexation is carried out. Israel’s defense minister has urged military to

proposal also faces opposition in Israel, where many fear that annexation is a step that could le to creation of a single bi-national state with Palestinians. Even some

But Netanyahu appears er to press forth before U.S. election in vember, when Joe Biden, presumptive Democratic minee who has said he opposes annexation, could replace Trump.

Netanyahu has lauded Trump's nearly blanket support for his policies and hailed annexation as a historic opportunity to establish Israel’s permanent borders, and retain control of strategic frontiers without having to evacuate a single settler. Previous peace plans have all included calls for far greater Israeli concessions.