Netanyahu Pushes Israeli Sovereignty over Jordan Valley after US Democrats Push Back

Home in Ma’ale Adummim Settlement in Judea and Samaria region. Illustrative. Photo by Joshua Spurlock.
In another disturbing sign the United States’ official approach to Israel is becoming a politically partisan issue, Democrats in the US House of Representatives led a resolution last week that called for the US to “discourage” the annexation of territory and highlighted historic opposition to Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, known as settlements. Just days later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he doesn’t just want to annex the Biblically historic Jordan Valley that serves as Israel’s eastern border, he wants American support for it.
“Just as I wanted American recognition for our sovereignty over the Golan Heights, I want American recognition for our sovereignty over the Jordan Valley. This is important,” said Netanyahu on Sunday in comments released by his office.
Judea and Samaria—territory the Palestinians also claim and call the ‘West Bank’—are home to a number of Biblical sites, including the Jordan Valley, Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, and Shechem. Following his meeting last week with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Netanyahu confirmed that the Jordan Valley annexation plan has not been formally broached with the US. However, he also said that “the subject has been discussed.” … Continue Reading