Netanyahu Pledges to Annex Israeli Settlements in the West Bank...

[Thatkat04]

The two state solution is pretty much dead at this point anyway, atleast with Trump and Netanyahu at the helm. Hell, I doubt a democrat replacement and Gantz would make much of a difference either.

I know many people picture the Israeli settlements as ultra orthodox religious compounds surrounded by walls, but in actuality its more akin to being in a first world European country. Picture luxury townhouses and supermarkets. From my interactions with Israelis, many see them as quiet suburbs of Jerusalem. So, Israel vacating them is pretty much dead on arrival.

Do I think what Israel is doing is right? Hell no. But I also don't think Gantz is going to make a meaningful difference in the peace process. Netanyahu might as well rip the band-aid off and speed the process along, especially with such a strong ally in the white house.   

[Thatkat04]

Except Trump won't be President forever. I can't see how Israel can maintain the perception of being a democratic bastion if it makes a West Bank state unviable unless it integrates the whole West Bank, but if does that then the non-Haredi Jews will be a minority. If that happens, it's difficult to see how Israel can remain a democratic secular Jewish state.

Again, I'm so sure what the issue is. The Israeli populace doesn't seem to care about public perception or remaining secular. And even without Trump, I'd be hard pressed to single out a current top-tier dem nominee(maybe Sanders) who would actually hold Israel accountable.

As for how Israel would govern an annexed West Bank, I'd hope they'd give the 3 million or so Palestinians in the west bank Israeli citizenship while at the same time giving them full autonomy(I guess kind of like Basque Country).  

Edit: Although looking at it, it doesnt seem like we have a reliable population count for the West Bank. So anywhere from 2 to 3 million.