After US settlement shift, PM said backing push to quickly annex Jordan Valley

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu points at a map of the Jordan Valley as he gives a statement, promising to extend Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea area, in Ramat Gan on September 10, 2019

Michael Bachner writes in Times of Israel, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly threw his support Monday evening behind a bill proposing to extend Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley — about a quarter of the West Bank — shortly after the United States, in a major policy shift, announced that it no longer views settlements as “inconsistent with international law.”

“The bill was proposed earlier this month by MK Sharren Haskel of Netanyahu’s ruling Likud party, but at the time its chances of advancing — normally a lengthy process — appeared slim in light of the political deadlock and the fact that the country is currently led by an interim government. But on Monday, Netanyahu gave approval to Haskel to request that the Knesset advance the bill in an expedited procedure, the Makor Rishon website reported Tuesday.”

“Haskel confirmed Tuesday morning in a tweet that Netanyahu backs her proposal. She said the US announcement was “an opportunity to promote my law for sovereignty in the [Jordan] Valley.” She added: “I have filed a request to hold a vote on the law already next week, with the prime minister’s backing. I hope that parties who have spoken of sovereignty [in the Jordan Valley] will stick to their word.” “There is no reason this important decision shouldn’t pass in the Knesset plenum with a majority of 80 MKs,” she told Makor Rishon.”

Israelis take part in an annual 8-km march in the Jordan Valley. February 21, 2014

“However, gaining sufficient support could face obstacles. The bill hinges on the support of either the Yisrael Beytenu party — which has refused to cooperate politically with Likud — or the centrist Blue and White, which before the September elections voiced support for the annexation of the Jordan Valley, but is currently at the height of high-risk political negotiations with Likud and others to form a governing coalition.”…

“On the campaign trail, Blue and White vowed that the Jordan Valley would “always” remain under Israeli control. When Netanyahu pledged to extend sovereignty over the territory, Blue and White said it was “happy Netanyahu is adopting the Blue and White policy platform.” (more…)