In brief
In light of recent political developments, West Bank settlers, led by figures like Eliana Passentin, are optimistic about the possibility of annexation by Israel. With confidence that a Palestinian state will not materialize, they look towards the incoming Trump administration for support in extending Israeli sovereignty over the region.
Eliana Passentin takes pride in her home situated at an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. From her dining room, she enjoys sweeping views stretching from the Jordan River all the way to the Mediterranean coast, overlooking ancient Shiloh – the Israelites' initial capital. However, Passentin's contentment would reach new heights if her area were to be annexed by Israel.With Donald J. Trump set to assume the presidency again, settler leaders are increasingly optimistic about the potential for annexation. Trump's recent staffing selections have instilled confidence among these settlers. For instance, Pete Hegseth, his controversial defense secretary nominee, filmed a segment of his "Battle in the Holy Land" series in ancient Shiloh, while Mike Huckabee, the anticipated U.S. ambassador to Jerusalem, has consistently advocated for Israel's claim over the entirety of the West Bank.Currently, around 2.7 million Palestinians and nearly half a million settlers coexist in the West Bank. Although the international community, along with the Palestinian leadership, has long envisioned this area as a crucial part of a future independent Palestinian state, many settlers, in light of recent violence and political shifts, believe that such aspirations are fading. Following the October 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas against Israel, settler leaders are increasingly convinced that a Palestinian state is no longer in the cards, especially with a more sympathetic administration emerging in Washington.These sentiments echo among the settlers, who are keen on Israel formally annexing portions, or perhaps the entirety, of the West Bank – a measure that has been staunchly avoided since Israel captured these regions during the 1967 Middle East conflict. Passentin articulates the desire to lead lives as Israelis and expresses hope that the forthcoming administration will back whatever decisions Israel opts to make regarding its territorial claims.
