In brief
Settlers in the occupied West Bank, with hopes ignited by Donald Trump's potential administration choices, are eyeing annexation as a feasible outcome, driven by the recent geopolitical shifts and a sense of optimism regarding the U.S. stance on Israel.
Eliana Passentin embraces her home nestled high in the West Bank, where she gazes over historic Shiloh, reflecting a long-standing Jewish legacy. Her aspirations extend beyond mere residence; she desires formal annexation of the area by Israel. Notably, with Trump's anticipated return to power, prominent figures in his potential cabinet, such as Pete Hegseth and Mike Huckabee, are reigniting hopes among settlers for stronger U.S. backing. These leaders have previously advocated that all of the West Bank rightfully belongs to Israel, aligning with the settlers' vision of an annexed territory.The demographic landscape is stark, with almost half a million settlers and about 2.7 million Palestinians coexisting in this contested region. Historically, the international community has viewed these Jewish settlements as violations of international law, with many Palestinians envisioning the West Bank as part of their future independent state alongside Israel. However, the recent Hamas-led attack on Israel has shifted the conversation, leading settler leaders to assert that a Palestinian state appears increasingly unlikely.Passentin, expressing a sense of belonging, stated, “We want to live our lives in Israel,” while affirming her belief in Trump's administration's potential to sanction Israeli decisions regarding the territories. The dialogue is indicative of the complexities and aspirations that continue to define this historically and politically charged landscape in the West Bank.
