Joe Biden: Israeli Threat of Annexation, Settlement Activity ‘Will Choke Off Hope of Peace’

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President and presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he opposes Israeli annexation of the West Bank, as part of his general opposition to “unilateral steps” that would “undercut the prospects for peace.”

Biden, speaking at a virtual fundraiser with Jewish supporters, explained that he opposes calls by other Democratic politicians, most notably Senator Bernie Sanders, to conditions military aid to Israel over changing its policy towards the Palestinians, calling the idea “irresponsible.”

Biden also said during the call that the Palestinians must acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, “flat out,” and that while Israel should stop settlement activity, “we also shouldn’t let the Palestinians off the hook” for issues like incitement and support for terrorism. 

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– Bibi swears in his colossal coalition and readies for a courtroom showdown

Bibi swears in his colossal coalition and readies for a courtroom showdown Haaretz

“My commitment to Israel is completely unshakable,” Biden said. “As President I will continue our security assistance,” he continued, noting that the current level of military aid provided to Israel is the result of an agreement that Israel signed with the Obama administration in 2016, while he was Vice President. “I will maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge,” added the Democratic candidate.

Biden clarified, however, that annexation of West Bank settlements would not get a “green light” or any kind of recognition from his administration. “I do not support annexation,” he said. “Israel needs to stop the threats of annexation and stop settlement activity because it will choke off any hope of peace.”

Biden’s comments were the first time he addressed this issue since the formation of the new government in Israel. The coalition agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Deputy Prime Minister Benny Gantz serving as the basis for the government clearly says that West Bank annexation will take place in coordination with the United States. This means that if Biden is elected president, any move towards annexation will be very complicated to perform.

Biden said during the call that he has known Prime Minister Netanyahu for decades, and hinted that he was surprised by Netnayahu’s adoption of the annexationist arguments, which are affiliated with religious right-wing groups in Israel. “I know Bibi well, for over 40 years,” Biden stated. “This moves [him] so far to the right.” Biden clarified, however, that it “does not justify cutting military assistance to the state of Israel.”