Defense Minister Naftali Bennett, a staunch pro-settlements advocate, said that his party “will not allow the handover of land to Arabs nor the formation of a Palestinian state.”
As reports on the Trump administration’s intention to reveal the details of its long-anticipated Middle East peace plan were confirmed Thursday evening, reactions of Israeli politicians were quick to follow.
Bennett stipulated that US President Donald Trump, senior White House advisor Jared Kushner, and Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman are true friends of Israel. "Perhaps the State of Israel is facing a historical opportunity, besides significant risks… Once the details of the plan will be revealed we will address it properly.” Bennett said.
West Bank settlement community leaders warned of widespread security concerns and an escalation throughout the country if estimations of the proposal turn out to be true, Hebrew-language outlet Walla News reported.
Israel’s Education Minister, Rabbi Rafi Peretz, adamantly rejected the plan, saying “We will not allow handing over our homeland. Our forefathers’ land is not up for negotiation.”
Chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu Avigdor Liberman tweeted sarcastically that his party “offers applying sovereignty as well as revoking immunity,” referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for protection from prosecution following his indictment on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Netanyahu's request for immunity is scheduled to be considered by a Knesset committee next week.
A source within the Blue & White party said that the White House invitation to leader Benny Gantz will not influence the proceedings.
First published: 22:13, 01.23.20