Indonesia Condemns Israeli Annexation Attempts in West Bank: A Violation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has responded to Israel’s annexation and seizure of Palestinian territory in the West Bank. The Kemlu has ensured that Israel’s annexation attempts remain a priority concern for Indonesia.
“Regarding annexation, is this a concern for Indonesia regarding Palestinian peace? Certainly. At the UN Security Council on 18 February, the Indonesian Foreign Minister condemned annexation in the West Bank area as a violation of international law, particularly UN Security Council resolution 2334,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yvonne Mewengkang at the Kemlu office in Central Jakarta on Friday (27 February 2026).
Yvonne stressed that Israel’s settlement expansion constitutes a violation. She expressed hope that Indonesia can contribute towards Palestinian independence by joining the Board of Peace (BoP).
“It can be emphasised that when we link annexation and the Israeli Security Forces, to be clear, there is no change in Indonesia’s position in this context. Indonesia continues to view this settlement expansion as a violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions,” she stated.
“Of course, this remains a concern for Indonesia regarding efforts to achieve peace and the two-state solution that remains our primary objective. However, with Indonesia positioned there, we seek to contribute as much as possible,” she added.
Previously, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked controversy by stating he would pursue policies that ‘promote Palestinian migration’ from the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Smotrich, a right-wing politician, is one of the figures behind Israel’s recent controversial decision to approve a proposal to register most West Bank land as ‘state property’ if Palestinians cannot prove ownership.
The controversial statement, as reported by AFP and The Times of Israel on Wednesday (18 February), was made by Smotrich whilst speaking at an event for the Religious Zionism Party held on Tuesday evening (17 February). He sought to outline what he believes should be the next Israeli government’s objectives.
“We will eliminate the concept of an Arab terror state,” Smotrich declared in his statement.
“We will finally and practically nullify the cursed Oslo Accords and begin the path towards sovereignty, whilst promoting migration from Gaza and Judea and Samaria,” he said, using the biblical terminology Israel applies to refer to the West Bank.
“There is no other long-term solution,” Smotrich emphasised firmly, receiving applause from attendees at the event.
The Oslo Accords refers to two agreements signed in 1993 (Oslo I) and 1995 (Oslo II) between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which established the framework for a two-state solution and Palestinian self-governance.
Smotrich’s controversial statement came after the Israeli government faced widespread condemnation over its approval of a proposal to register most West Bank land as ‘state property’ if Palestinians cannot prove ownership.
The controversial proposal, according to Israeli local television KAN, was submitted by Smotrich together with Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Defence Minister Katz. Smotrich stated on Sunday (15 February) that the measure represents a continuation of the “settlement revolution to control all our land.”
Condemnation has poured in from numerous countries, with the United Nations (UN) mission from 85 nations on Tuesday (17 February) jointly condemning Tel Aviv. Palestinian authorities also issued a strong reaction, warning that Israel’s action constitutes ‘de-facto annexation’ and a violation of international law.