UK PM Johnson tells Israel: Do not annex parts of occupied West Bank

London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Israel it should not go ahead with a plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, cautioning that London would not recognise any changes to the 1967 lines.

"Annexation would represent a violation of international law," Johnson said in an opinion piece for Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel's top-selling daily. "It would also be a gift to those who want to perpetuate the old stories about Israel ... I profoundly hope that annexation does not go ahead," he said. "If it does, the UK will not recognise any changes to the 1967 lines, except those agreed between both parties."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he intends to extend Israeli sovereignty to Jewish colonies and the Jordan Valley, as envisaged by a blueprint announced by US President Donald Trump in January under which Israel would control of 30% of the West Bank.

Palestinian leaders, the United Nations, European powers and Arab countries have denounced any annexation of land that Israeli regime forces captured in a 1967 war.

Most world powers view colonies as illegal. 

"Annexation would put in jeopardy the progress that Israel has made in improving relationships with the Arab and Muslim world," Johnson said, calling for a "solution that allows justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Johnson said he welcomed Trump's commitment find a way forward but added: "It is with sadness that I have followed the proposals to annex Palestinian territory." He said he feared "these proposals will fail in their objective of securing Israel's borders and will be contrary to Israel's own long-term interests."