Jerusalem: Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin called on his government to accelerate the annexation of the occupied West Bank. "I think that this period, beyond the current issues, is a time of historic opportunity that we must not miss," Levin stated during his meeting with the head of a settler council, as cited by The Times of Israel news outlet.

According to Anadolu Agency, Levin emphasized the importance of the annexation for Israel's security, describing the West Bank as "not just the heart of the land but also the safety belt for the State of Israel." He reiterated his strong stance on the matter, asserting, "The time for sovereignty has come, the time to apply sovereignty. My position on this matter is firm, it is clear."

Reports indicate that by the end of 2024, approximately 770,000 illegal Israeli settlers resided in the West Bank, spread across 180 settlements and 256 outposts, including 138 classified as agricultural or pastoral. Israeli government data reveal that illegal settlers conducted 414 attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank in the first half of this year, marking a 30% increase compared to 2024.

Since the onset of Israel's assault on Gaza in October 2023, at least 988 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and illegal settlers, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. In July, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.