Netanyahu's party presses for Israel to take over the West Bank
The party justified the annexation in a letter citing Israel's 'historic achievements' in its conflict with Iran, and claiming an 'existential threat from within must be eliminated, to prevent another massacre in the heart of the country'. The letter was signed by all 15 Likud ministers in government.
The letter also said the 'strategic partnership, backing and support" from the US and President Donald Trump "made it a propitious time to move forward with it now, and ensure Israel's security for generations'.
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Palestine, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, rejected such calls, saying they would only contribute to destabilisation and would not bring security to anyone, Wafa News Agency reported on Wednesday.
Egypt also condemned the calls by the Likud party.
Annexing the West Bank would be illegal under international law.
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During this period, Iranian planners are expected to re-examine their deterrence doctrines, potentially including asymmetric naval capabilities and cyber operations, while crafting a long-term retaliatory posture. In line with its long-standing strategy of strategic patience, Iran sees time as a resource to recalibrate its nuclear posture, expand alliances, and test global resolve Time provides Tehran with critical breathing room to: first, restructure its leadership; second, replenish its arms; and third, plan an international diplomatic offensive. In June 1981, the Islamic Republican Party was bombed, killing its secretary-general, Mohammad Beheshti and 74 high-ranking officials. That same month, Iran lost one of its most influential military commanders, Mostafa Chamran, on the front lines with Iraq. In August 1981, Iran's newly elected president, Mohammad-Ali Rajai and Prime Minister Mohammad-Javad Bahonar were assassinated in a bombing at the prime minister's office in Tehran. The attack was carried out by the Mujahideen-e Khalq (MEK). This armed opposition group had turned against the Islamic Republic and allied itself with Saddam's regime during the Iran-Iraq War. The bomb was planted by Masoud Keshmiri, an MEK operative who had infiltrated the government posing as a security official. The explosion killed eight high-ranking officials, including the president, prime minister, the chief of national police, senior military advisers, and members of the Supreme National Security Council, making it one of the deadliest acts of internal sabotage in the early years of the war. Nevertheless, despite the loss, Iran was still able to launch a counter-attack that expelled all Iraqi forces from Iranian soil. Rebuilding and rearming On the morning of Friday, 13 June 2025, Israel launched its most extensive military operation against Iran to date. Its strikes went far beyond nuclear and missile facilities, targeting senior military commanders and scientists. 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