US House Speaker Visits West Bank Settlements Amid Israeli Push for Full Annexation

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited West Bank settlements amid Israeli efforts to fully annex the territory. During his private visit to Ariel, one of the region's largest settlements, Johnson became the highest-ranking American official to publicly support the settlement, emphasizing that the mountains of Judea and Samaria belong to the Jewish people. His remarks align with Israeli political leaders, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who see current political opportunities to assert Israeli sovereignty over the region. These developments follow shifting U.S. policies, with officials indicating a reduced interest in establishing a Palestinian state, and reflect ongoing debates about the future of the West Bank amidst international controversy.