Israel to Retain Security Control in West Bank

Israel will maintain full security authority across the West Bank, though the question of formal annexation remains unresolved, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Netanyahu stressed that Israel would continue to hold sovereign security power from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, framing this as essential for safeguarding national and regional stability.

While reaffirming security control, he noted that the political question of annexation is still under debate.

The remarks come amid renewed legislative efforts inside Israel. In October, the Knesset advanced two draft bills proposing the extension of Israeli sovereignty to West Bank settlements. The move drew a sharp warning from US President Donald Trump, who said Washington would withdraw support if Israel proceeded with annexation.

In July, the Knesset also passed a declaration urging the government to formally extend sovereignty over the territory, with a majority of lawmakers backing the motion.