Pompeo says up to Israel to decide on annexation as Trump aides meet
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS JUNE 24, 2020 / 10:48 AM / UPDATED 6 HOURS AGO
Pompeo says up to Israel to decide on annexation as Trump aides meet
Humeyra Pamuk, Matt Spetalnick
3 MIN READ
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday it was up to Israel to decide whether to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to do despite international opposition.
Senior aides to U.S. President Donald Trump met for a second day to discuss whether to give Netanyahu the green light for annexation, which has drawn condemnation from the Palestinians, U.S. Arab allies and other foreign governments.
Despite that, Pompeo - speaking to reporters ahead of Netanyahus July 1 target date - said extending Israeli sovereignty was a decision for Israelis to make.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to abandon plans to annex parts of the West Bank, warning this threatened prospects for peace with the Palestinians.
Under Trumps peace proposal unveiled in January and met with widespread skepticism, the United States would recognize the Jewish settlements - built on land the Palestinians seek for a state - as part of Israel.
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