“The government of Israel will assess timing and content. No decision has been made on the matter at the moment,” he explained.
Sa’ar stressed that “there is not even an intention to discuss annexing the territories of the Palestinian Authority, because we do not want to control the Palestinians.
“What can be discussed, but has not yet been decided, is implementing Israeli law in the Israeli communities that are there and are not under Palestinian Authority,” he said.
Sa’ar’s comments came as President Trump was said to have ruled out allowing any Israeli attempt to annex the West Bank, according to reports in both Politico and the Times of Israel.
The US president, who presented a “21-point peace plan” to Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN during a meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly, is believed to be firm on the point that annexation is not an option.
"We had a very productive session. We presented what we call the Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Mideast and Gaza,” said US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, adding: “I think it addresses Israeli concerns and, as well, the concerns of all the neighbours in the region.
"We're hopeful, and I might say, even confident that in the coming days, we'll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough.”
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar speaking during a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart earlier this month (Image: Getty)AFP via Getty Images
Sa’ar said that the decision by the UK, France, Canada and others to recognise Palestine essentially created “the State of Hamas.
“We will not allow that to happen. Hamas would quickly take control of the West Bank as it did in the Gaza Strip in 2007 after Israel withdrew. Today everyone sees the danger,” he said. “I express appreciation for those countries that do not let themselves be dragged into this.”
Netanyahu condemned the recognitions as a “shameful surrender” as he departed for the UN on Thursday, asserting that capitulating to Palestinian terrorism would not obligate Israel in any way.
“A Palestinian state will not be established,” Netanyahu declared.
Sa’ar and strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer have told France, the UK and others that their moves could lead to annexing Area C and legalising illegal outposts.
“Unilateral moves against Israel will be met with unilateral moves by Israel,” Sa’ar told his counterparts, Israel Hayom reported in May.
Sources close to Dermer told Ynet earlier this month that “there will be sovereignty in Judea and Samaria; the question is over which part.”
Nearly 70 per cent of Israelis want Jerusalem to extend full legal sovereignty over the disputed territory, according to a poll conducted in January this year.
