**Israeli Settlers Hope for Annexation After Trump’s Victory**
The sun shines brightly on the hill overlooking Karnei Shomron in the occupied West Bank. Sondra Baras, a resident of 40 years, looks out at Tel Aviv’s skyscrapers and feels different from the city. She believes she lives in Biblical Judea & Samaria, not “occupied land.” With Donald Trump’s victory, she sees an opportunity to extend Israeli sovereignty over the area.
Many Israeli settlers share Sondra’s views. They believe that Trump’s administration may support their claims to the West Bank. Mike Huckabee, nominated as US ambassador to Israel, expressed his support for Israeli claims in the region during a previous interview. “When people say ‘occupied,’ I reply: ‘Yes Israel is occupying land, but this land was given to them by God 3,500 years ago,'” he said.
**Shift in Tone**
Israeli politician Yisrael Gantz has noticed a shift in tone from the Trump administration since the Gaza war. He believes that the US now understands the need for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank. “It is a process,” he said. “I can’t say when it will happen.”
However, this move would be challenging for Trump to resolve. It could alienate key ally Saudi Arabia and complicate regional deals. Palestinians believe that formal annexation discussion misses the point, as Israel already controls security and planning in 60% of the West Bank.
**Palestinian Perspective**
Mohammad Salameh shows a journalist through the rubble of his family‘s home, which was destroyed on private Palestinian property. He believes that demolitions are part of policies forcing Palestinians to leave. “It is a policy of forced immigration,” he said.
Activists say more than 20 Palestinian communities have been expelled over the past few years due to violent attacks by Israeli settlers. These attacks are largely left unchallenged by Israeli courts. Mohaib does not believe that Donald Trump will protect Palestinians, as no US president has done so before.
**Conflict and Annexation**
Israeli settlers are seizing Palestinian land under cover of war, hoping for permanent control. Extremist settlers are rapidly taking over West Bank land. The conflict between Israel and Palestine remains unresolved, with both sides holding strong views on the issue.
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