The Palestinian leadership will confront Israel’s agenda of permanent aggression against and annexation of the occupied territories, said Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in reaction to last night’s agreement between the ruling Likud under Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue/White party under Benny Gantz to form the next Israel government.

“The Israeli political establishment has united on the agenda of permanent colonization and annexation. It is now very clear that Israeli political parties are unequivocally committed to the entrenchment and permanence of the conflict as well as the perpetual oppression of the Palestinian people with the full support and backing of the (US President Donald) Trump administration, which is clearly intent on implementing its dangerous and objectionable plan,” she said in a statement.

“This unity deal reveals the true colors of Israeli political parties and proves beyond doubt the death of the so-called left in Israel. It also belies the wishful thinking that some in the international community had about Blue and White party, which endorsed annexation and the illegal settlement enterprise as a core value of its political platform,” added Ashrawi. “Israeli political parties opposing Benjamin Netanyahu led by Blue and White had a chance to forge a new path forward for Israel and the region that departs from morally, politically, and financially corrupt leadership towards a coalition that was more responsible and inclusive. They opted to bolster the status quo of illegality, corruption, and colonization.”

The PLO official added: “Over the past weeks, responsible actors in the international community sent clear signals regarding their absolute rejection of annexation as an illegal and rejected course of action that violates the core principles of international law. This unity government agreement makes very clear that Israeli political parties have absolutely no regard for such concerns, absent clear and effective measures of accountability.

“The Palestinian leadership is very clear on where we stand. Annexation is a declaration of permanent aggression on inalienable Palestinian rights and the standing of international law. The Palestinian people will confront this lawless and dangerous agenda resolutely and with unwavering determination.”

Ashrawi called on members of the international community “to join our responsible and legal efforts and to challenge this brazen Israeli political agenda without hesitation or delay. The Palestinian people will not succumb to political extortion and bullying. We will prevail and realize our inalienable and universal rights to freedom and independence.”