Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank may wait during the COVID-19 pandemic fight, AP reported referring to Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

“Anything unrelated to the battle against the coronavirus will wait,” he said.

Netanyahu said he wants to begin annexation this week, in accordance with President Donald Trump’s plan. The US envoy is trying to come to terms with the Israelis.

Gantz's statement complicated the plans and exposed a split in the new coalition government of Israel.