Netanyahu 'confident' U.S. will allow West Bank annexation in two months

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/Pool

 

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced confidence on Sunday that Washington would give Israel the nod within two months to move ahead with de facto annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank.

 

Palestinians have expressed outrage at Israel's plans to cement its hold further on land it seized in the 1967 Middle East war, territory they are seeking for a state.

 

Netanyahu, in announcing a deal with his centrist rival Benny Gantz last week to form a unity government, set July 1 for the start of cabinet discussions on extending Israeli sovereignty to Jewish settlements in the West Bank and annexing outright the area's Jordan Valley.

 

Such a move would need to be agreed with Washington, according to the Netanyahu-Gantz agreement.

 

In a video address on Sunday to a pro-Israeli Christian group in Europe, Netanyahu described a U.S. peace proposal announced by President Donald Trump in January as a promise to recognise Israel's authority over West Bank settlement land.

 

"A couple of months from now I am confident that that pledge will be honoured," Netanyahu told the European Commission for Israel.

 

Palestinian officials offered no immediate comment on Netanyahu's remarks.

 

Palestinians have flatly rejected the Trump peace proposal, partly because it awards Israel most of what it has sought during decades of conflict, including nearly all the occupied land on which it has built settlements.

 

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday it was up to Israel whether to annex parts of the West Bank and said that Washington would offer its views privately to its new government.

 

The Palestinians and many countries regard Israel's settlements in the West Bank as illegal under the Geneva Conventions that bar settling on land captured in war.

 

Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical, historical and political connections to the land.

 

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Jeffrey Heller and Hugh Lawson)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-04-27

 

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Good to hear. The terrorists have been using that area to launch attacks against Israel for a long time. Take it back away from them. The terrorists deserve nothing and demand everything - but then continue their never ending campaign to remove Israel. Anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong - or only listens to the liberal media. The evidence is overwhelming that their aim is to remove Israel - they will not accept anything less.

 

13 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

Good to hear. The terrorists have been using that area to launch attacks against Israel for a long time. Take it back away from them. The terrorists deserve nothing and demand everything - but then continue their never ending campaign to remove Israel. Anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong - or only listens to the liberal media. The evidence is overwhelming that their aim is to remove Israel - they will not accept anything less.

 

Most terror attacks emanate from Gaza. Whilst I do not condone / support terror attacks from any group, an modern day occupying power would expect a violent response, as proven to this day, against its security forces and civilians. It's beyond doubt trump appointing an orthodox Jew to be his senior adviser for resolution of the Jewish / Palestinian conflict was an act of nepotistic folly. IMO the OP announcement will ensure Israeli / Palestinian alienation for years to come.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced confidence on Sunday that Washington would give Israel the nod within two months to move ahead with de facto annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank.

And what kind of nod would that be? How can that nod have any value? Is US in ownership of that land? Do they have any legal rights there?

Just another dumb man looking for a nod from the country that thinks they rule the world.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The Palestinians and many countries regard Israel's settlements in the West Bank as illegal under the Geneva Conventions that bar settling on land captured in war.

Netanyahu's plan to annex West Bank is similar to Putin's Annexation of Crimea and continuous war on East Ukraine. Horrific and illegal actions. 

 

It's time for the rest of the world to place very heavy sanctions against Israel. Ban their travel, stop trade with Israel and freeze Israel's and people of Israel assets around the world.

It is rumored that Putin has kompromat on Trump and it would definitely explain a lot of things. I think we can assume the Mossad also did their home work ...

2 hours ago, simple1 said:

Most terror attacks emanate from Gaza. Whilst I do not condone / support terror attacks from any group, an modern day occupying power would expect a violent response, as proven to this day, against its security forces and civilians. It's beyond doubt trump appointing an orthodox Jew to be his senior adviser for resolution of the Jewish / Palestinian conflict was an act of nepotistic folly. IMO the OP announcement will ensure Israeli / Palestinian alienation for years to come.

I both agree and disagree with you there.  Israel is not an 'occupying power' - after the war in 1960s Jordan gave up its rights to the land in question and since the 1970s the 'Palestinians' have been claiming it is their land.

 

USA has always been a strong ally of Israel - there are Jewish people and their supporters in both sides of US politics and in many businesses and industries in US.  I think New York might have the largest Jewish population in the world.

 

Israeli/Palestinian alienation will exist for years to come - decades.  All attempts by previous POTUS' and UN have failed to resolve the situation. Both sides at fault - but by far far more it has been the Palestinians that have scuttled any deals.

 

But there is something that many people dont know - especially if they only hear/see the media driven agenda (both sides), and that is that the vast majority of Jewish and Arabic people coexist in peace and have done for a long long time.  Even if the Palestinians were given everything they wanted, they would still attack Israel - the land issue is a false flag to give reason to their 'cause' for the western media to follow - and it has worked very well (so far).

1 minute ago, AussieBob18 said:

Israel is not an 'occupying power'

The vast majority of governments disagree. You made a number of claims. Tell me if a foreign power had occupied Northern Queensland and still did so today do you believe the Australian government would agree to unfair compromises in order to avoid conflict on our soil. if they did what would your opinion of them be?

Better get it done quick the next administration won’t let them get away with it

3 hours ago, Matzzon said:

And what kind of nod would that be? How can that nod have any value? Is US in ownership of that land? Do they have any legal rights there?

Just another dumb man looking for a nod from the country that thinks they rule the world.

Israel would never do such a monstrous thing if the US was not prepared to allow it.

If Trump does allow this he will have put himself beyond the pale. Certainly he will have lost me as a supporter. Nothing he can do will excuse it.

Get it over and done with and move on .

Its the only way there will be peace in the region .

The Palestinians will be upset, but theyve been upset for 70 odd years now and nothing will change in that respect 

 

 

I would HOPE that he's right. Who would support Islamic terrorists over Israel??? Your answer??? Islamic terrorists. Israel FOREVER.

How to drop your friends in the poo. 

Now, if Israel does annex this land it will be seen as Washington giving tacit approval, even if they didn't.

 

2 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

Israel is not an 'occupying power' - after the war in 1960s Jordan gave up its rights to the land in question and since the 1970s the 'Palestinians' have been claiming it is their land.

 

Here's a bit more "flesh" to that sentence (from Wikipedia) -

 

"During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured and occupied the formerly Jordanian-controlled West Bank, it's one million Palestinian population had now come under Israeli military occupation: Jordan, despite not continuing to be the actual sovereign, continued to pay salaries and pensions to civil servants and to provide services to endowments and educational affairs.

In 1974, the Arab League decided to recognize the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The decision forced King Hussein to relinquish his claim to speak for the Palestinian people during peace negotiations and to recognize an independent Palestinian state that is independent of Jordan.

Jordan's disengagement from the West Bank, in which Jordan surrendered the claim to sovereignty over the West Bank, took place on 31 July 1988: Jordan renounced its claims to the West Bank, and recognized the PLO as "the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people." King Hussein announced the severance of all legal and administrative ties with the West Bank, and recognised the PLO's claim to the State of Palestine. In his speech to the nation held on that day he announced his decision and explained that this decision was made with the aim of helping the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state."

 

2 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

I both agree and disagree with you there.  Israel is not an 'occupying power' - after the war in 1960s Jordan gave up its rights to the land in question and since the 1970s the 'Palestinians' have been claiming it is their land.

 

USA has always been a strong ally of Israel - there are Jewish people and their supporters in both sides of US politics and in many businesses and industries in US.  I think New York might have the largest Jewish population in the world.

 

Israeli/Palestinian alienation will exist for years to come - decades.  All attempts by previous POTUS' and UN have failed to resolve the situation. Both sides at fault - but by far far more it has been the Palestinians that have scuttled any deals.

 

But there is something that many people dont know - especially if they only hear/see the media driven agenda (both sides), and that is that the vast majority of Jewish and Arabic people coexist in peace and have done for a long long time.  Even if the Palestinians were given everything they wanted, they would still attack Israel - the land issue is a false flag to give reason to their 'cause' for the western media to follow - and it has worked very well (so far).

Of course Israel is an occupying power. Israel has only legal right to land granted by the UN in 1948. The UN has not expanded that.

Israel still occupies land it gained in 67 war, and most accept that as the de facto borders, though I wonder if the US would accept it if it had happened to them.

If it not for the US veto in the UN Israel would have been made pariah long ago, IMO.

1 minute ago, andersonat said:

 

Here's a bit more "flesh" to that sentence (from Wikipedia) -

 

"During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured and occupied the formerly Jordanian-controlled West Bank, it's one million Palestinian population had now come under Israeli military occupation: Jordan, despite not continuing to be the actual sovereign, continued to pay salaries and pensions to civil servants and to provide services to endowments and educational affairs.

In 1974, the Arab League decided to recognize the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The decision forced King Hussein to relinquish his claim to speak for the Palestinian people during peace negotiations and to recognize an independent Palestinian state that is independent of Jordan.

Jordan's disengagement from the West Bank, in which Jordan surrendered the claim to sovereignty over the West Bank, took place on 31 July 1988: Jordan renounced its claims to the West Bank, and recognized the PLO as "the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people." King Hussein announced the severance of all legal and administrative ties with the West Bank, and recognised the PLO's claim to the State of Palestine. In his speech to the nation held on that day he announced his decision and explained that this decision was made with the aim of helping the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state."

 

Jordon were occupying the West bank , Jordon lost the territory during the six day war .

Jordon still claimed the West bank for a further 20 years

When they realised that there was no chance of them getting the West bank back , they said they didnt want it back

Preaching to the choir........this gives him a win-win-win. His fans will love it, if the USA approves he can go ahead, if the USA disapproves he can blame them for not doing it or look tough and still go ahead and do it.

1 minute ago, sanemax said:

The USA is built on other peoples (Native Indian) land

I am aware of the history of the US, and it's not one to be proud of. Many places have native American names, and I wonder if the people that live there realise they are living on land that was taken, for the most part by removal of the tribes that lived there, if they hadn't died out because of European diseases to which they had no immunity. Now, in a time of Corona to which we have no immunity, is that karma?

Is it any wonder Palestinians want to fight, The allies gave their land to Israel after the war and after almost stealing in the 67 war, what the Palestineans have had to call home in the westbank the Jews want it all, if the USA give them the go ahead on this there is less justice in this world than we all thought which was very little to begin with, it is shameful and disgusting, my mother and grandmother were jews but i hang my head in shame over this appalling situation

1 minute ago, johno49 said:

Is it any wonder Palestinians want to fight, The allies gave their land to Israel after the war and after almost stealing in the 67 war, what the Palestineans have had to call home in the westbank the Jews want it all, if the USA give them the go ahead on this there is less justice in this world than we all thought which was very little to begin with, it is shameful and disgusting, my mother and grandmother were jews but i hang my head in shame over this appalling situation

Lets not forget that its the Palestinians themselves who rejected statehood in 1948 and the Palestinians want the whole of Israel to be an Islamic state governed by Sharia law , although they will allow Jews to live there , which is kind of them 

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

If Trump does allow this he will have put himself beyond the pale. Certainly he will have lost me as a supporter. Nothing he can do will excuse it.

What? Still a supporter? Unbelievable! You don´t think this man already done enough inexcusable and monstrous things already. Let´s just say that, I hope he gives the nod. Then at least one more can walk with open eyes. ????

Amazed at all the anti-Jewish hatred on this forum.

6 minutes ago, sanemax said:

Lets not forget that its the Palestinians themselves who rejected statehood in 1948 and the Palestinians want the whole of Israel to be an Islamic state governed by Sharia law , although they will allow Jews to live there , which is kind of them 

In 1948 the land was taken from them, of course they did not want to give it up at that point in time.

 

Your second and third statements are not true, they don't want it to be an islamic state nor do they want sharia law.

1 minute ago, KhunFred said:

Amazed at all the anti-Jewish hatred on this forum.

It is a discussion about Israel, but no 'anti-Jewish hatred' so far. The attempts to make this about antisemitism are really tiring.

Just now, stevenl said:

In 1948 the land was taken from them, of course they did not want to give it up at that point in time.

 

Your second and third statements are not true, they don't want it to be an islamic state nor do they want sharia law.

There had been Jews living on the land for 2500 years , the Jewish Temple of David in Jerusalem is 2500 years old .

  Read the Palestinian charter for clarification of the last two points

2 hours ago, simple1 said:

The vast majority of governments disagree. You made a number of claims. Tell me if a foreign power had occupied Northern Queensland and still did so today do you believe the Australian government would agree to unfair compromises in order to avoid conflict on our soil. if they did what would your opinion of them be?

 

Only it wasn't Palestinian land, it was Jordan. And Jordan gave it up in the 60's and suddenly it became part of the imagined Palestinian state that never existed!

 

Your example is false equivalence. 

 

Unfortunately there are elements, Iran for one, Russia for another, that want to exploit turmoil in the Middle East and destroy Israel. The former out of religious bigotry and racial spite; the latter because Israel is a close ally of it's arch rival the US, with a little bit of historical bigotry thrown in.

 

It's been a mess since the Romans occupied it. Blame them! And successive occupiers for compounding and making it worse.

18 minutes ago, johno49 said:

Is it any wonder Palestinians want to fight, The allies gave their land to Israel after the war and after almost stealing in the 67 war, what the Palestineans have had to call home in the westbank the Jews want it all, if the USA give them the go ahead on this there is less justice in this world than we all thought which was very little to begin with, it is shameful and disgusting, my mother and grandmother were jews but i hang my head in shame over this appalling situation

If your mother and grandmother were Jews, so are you. Why do you support those who want to DESTROY Jews??? 

Of course he can expect total cooperation from Washington. Israel buys US cooperation each year, with the largest lobbying campaign on the planet. And it does not matter how heinous the specific Israeli policy is. Even as a US jew, if you question their policies at all, you are labeled a Jew hater. It has happened to me many times. For a country that considers itself a democracy, and a people who consider themselves fairly liberal (American Jews, in general) it is astonishing how little dissent is allowed. 

2 hours ago, Tug said:

Better get it done quick the next administration won’t let them get away with it

doesn't matter how quick they do it, coming 2021 the next administration will have to reverse Trump's (one more)  bad decision.... hope by then Netanyahu will be in jail

Edited April 27, 20206 yr by Mavideol

7 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Of course he can expect total cooperation from Washington. Israel buys US cooperation each year, with the largest lobbying campaign on the planet. And it does not matter how heinous the specific Israeli policy is. Even as a US jew, if you question their policies at all, you are labeled a Jew hater. It has happened to me many times. For a country that considers itself a democracy, and a people who consider themselves fairly liberal (American Jews, in general) it is astonishing how little dissent is allowed. 

You can question Israels polices , no problem with that .

Although there are Anti-semites who side with the Palestinians solely because Israel is a Jewish nation