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The Takeaway: Netanyahu counts on Trump for legacy on West Bank settlement annexation

Highlights: Arab Joint List in the wilderness; Israel-Iran cyberwar heats up; Gulf states reconsider megaproject; the Saudi VAT and GCC integration; two new Al-Monitor podcasts!

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauds as he and U.S. President Donald Trump deliver joint remarks on a Middle East peace plan proposal in the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., January 28, 2020. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts? - RC26PE9IWG1Q
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauds as he and US President Donald Trump deliver joint remarks on a Middle East peace plan proposal in the East Room of the White House in Washington, US, Jan. 28, 2020. — Reuters/Joshua Roberts
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The lead: Resistance gathers to Netanyahu annexation plans
 
 
 
 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to forge ahead with the controversial annexation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank because he considers it his legacy, Ben Caspit told me in a brand new Al-Monitor podcast.

 

While resistance to annexation is growing, and Netanyahu will need to take into account the concerns of many stakeholders, including and especially the US, he may be sensing that his advantage lies ultimately and only with US President Donald Trump.

 

And that window will close if Trump loses the US presidential election in November.

 

That’s why no one prays harder for Trump’s reelection than Netanyahu, Caspit added.

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