Netanyahu vows to annex West Bank settlements if re-elected on Tuesday's Presidential election

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said that he would annex settlements in occupied West Bank if he wins Tuesday's elections.

"I am going to apply Israeli sovereignty, but I do t distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements. From my perspective, each of those settlement points is Israeli. We have responsibility [for m] as government of Israel. I don't uproot any, and I won't transfer m to sovereignty of Palestinians. I take care of m all," Times of Israel quoted Benjamin as saying.

RE | 'We Stand With People Of India', Says Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Showing Solidarity Against Cowardly Pulwama Attack Perpetrated By Pak-backed Jaish-e-Mohamm

Netanhayu me se remarks during an interview to a news channel just three days before Israel's Presidential elections where he is facing a tight race for re-election. Recent polls have shown his rightwing Likud party just behind Blue and White party, run by a former Israeli army chief Benny Gantz. 

According to some of his officials, last month's US's recognition of Golan Heights as Israel part has reportedly, bolstered Netanyahu to furr claim West Bank. Netanyahu believes US President Donald Trump "would give him backing and legitimization to annex or extend Israeli law to all West Bank settlements or at least some of blocs," an anymous Israel official said. However, Netanyahu me it clear to Trump that he did t intend to evacuate "a single person" from any West Bank settlements.

RE| Israeli PM Netanyahu Likely To Visit India Before Elections

However, Turkey has reportedly reacted on Netanhayu's comment with sharp criticism, terming it as "irresponsible".

"Prime Minister Netanyahu's irresponsible statement to seek votes just before Israeli general elections cant and will t change this fact," Turkey Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted.

West Bank is a disputed territory, with Israel and Palestinians equally claiming it. Over 400,000 Jews live in West Bank settlements. Ar 200,000-plus live in East Jerusalem neighborhoods annexed by Israel after 1967 war.