The issue of applying sovereignty to the West Bank has been removed from the agenda of the discussion to be convened on Thursday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following the United Arab Emirates calling the move a "red line," Israeli sources told The Jerusalem Post.
The Thursday discussion will focus on the security situation in the West Bank, in light of the upcoming UN General Assembly, where several countries will recognize Palestinian statehood.
Israel's defense establishment will warn ministers during the meeting that "the West Bank could erupt instantly," sources told the Post.
The IDF and defense establishment are attributing its warning to the dire economic situation in the West Bank, which is at a low point, as well as the political uncertainty surrounding the region.
At the same time, defense officials will also discuss the lower levels of terrorism, in part due to ongoing operations and presence in the refugee camps in the northern West Bank.
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that Israel should annex 82% of the West Bank, adding that he would like Netanyahu to support the move.
UAE says annexing West Bank would undermine spirit of Abraham Accords
In response, the United Arab Emirates said any annexation of the West Bank would constitute a red line for Abu Dhabi that would severely undermine the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the two countries.
Emirati officials also warned senior Trump administration officials against Israeli moves to apply sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, a person with knowledge about the matter told the Post.
“This would destroy the Abraham Accords,” an Emirati official was quoted as saying. “Do not allow Israel to annex parts of the West Bank.”
The Abraham Accords, which are the agreement between the UAE and Israel, were signed on the condition that Israel would forgo applying sovereignty in exchange for normalization, the Emirati officials said.
Keshet Neev contributed to this report. This is a developing story.