Lapid: Bennett's 'annexation' plan un-Zionist
Journalist turned politician slams former Yesha Council head's initiative to grant Israeli citizenship to 50,000 Palestinians
Journalist turned politician Yair Lapid commented on Naftali Bennett's political plan meant to remedy the prolonged stalemate plaguing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, calling it "un-Zionist." Lapid addressed the matter in response to a question posted on his Facebook page.
Former Yesha Council Director Naftali Bennett's plan suggests imposing full Israeli sovereignty over Area C in the West Bank, which constitutes 62% of the territory, unilaterally. Area C is currently under full Israeli security control. The plan also proposes granting Israeli citizenship to 50,000 Arab residents in the annexed areas. According to the plan, no Arab refugee will be allowed into the West Bank.
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"I certainly respect Mr. Lapid's geo-strategic analysis abilities and his extensive experience," Bennett said in response, "but I think the plan I presented where we provide a response to the de-legitimization claims leveled at Israel and taking our fate into our own hands is the best Zionist solution to the state Israel is currently under."
Peace Now denounced the plan as 'hallucinatory'
He further added, "I confess I have yet to see Mr. Lapid's plan so we can hold a discussion on it as well. At the very least I promise not to comment on it with two-word slogans."
The former Yesha Council head's plan also received criticism from the Left. "Bennett's plan is a failed attempt to cut corners and make the occupation more comfortable," Peace Now Director Yariv Oppenheimer said Thursday. "The initiative is detached from reality; it belongs in the science fiction section of the library."
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