SOVEREIGNTY A Political Journal / Issue no. 14 / February 2021 Published by The Sovereignty Movement founded by Women in Green

Sovereignty - The future of Israel 2 / SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal

Table of Contents:

A Word from the Editors MK Ayelet Shaked (Yamina) is aware of the difficulty 3 we anticipate vis-a-vis the Biden administration, 10 but says: We must not remove the discourse of sovereignty from the national agenda. Expert in International Law, Prof. Talia Einhorn, 4 examined the documents of the Trump plan and those of the Abraham Accords and concludes clearly: Israel We asked Yisrael Beiteinu to provide answers on has no legal obligation to freeze the application of 10 the matters of sovereignty, settlement and the Land sovereignty. of Israel. MK Yevgeni Soba presents Lieberman’s Canton plan. The Trump era is over and Israel still has not applied her 5 sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.Why? Journalist Hodaya Karish-Hazony, in an interview. Any step to advance the application of sovereignty 11 requires, first of all, a significant change in the structure of the justice system, which currently Diplomacy is not only about international interests. even blocks steps of simple normalization: MK Amit 6 There is a term called “Faith-based diplomacy”, Halevi (Likud) in an interview. which has resonance internationally. Josh Reinstein, President of the Israel Allies Foundation. Senior member of New Hope, Danny Dayan: We The head of the Samaria Council Yossi Dagan reminds 11 must train hearts and minds and promote steps of 6 Israeli leaders that decisions regarding Israel’s future practical sovereignty. are made in Jerusalem, not in Washington. We brought together representatives of the Likud, He attacked the Trump plan from the beginning Yamina, New Hope and Religious Zionism for a 7 and does not regret it at all. MK Bezalel Smotrich 12 Zoom meeting where they were asked to debate (Religious Zionism) promises to continue to promote ideological matters of settlement, the Land of Israel sovereignty. and sovereignty. Moderated by journalist Emily Amroussi. Senior Likud member MK Nir Barkat, is not waiting 8 for a decision for sovereignty and together with teams Home - a poem by Hamutal Ben Zeev for the of experts has prepared a groundbreaking master 15 return of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, the outline plan. missing soldiers. Wanted: leaders of Vision! Leaders of the Rightwing Camp: Don’t hide your values and principles behind the Corona.

“The inherent hostility of the Biden administration makes clear that contrary to the media spin, the March elections will be a pivotal ideological event. They will decide whether Israel stands up for Zionism or embraces post-Zionism, whether Israel will fight for its sovereignty and its interests or concede both in favor of good relations with Israel haters.” Caroline Glick, Israel Hayom 29/1/2021

Editors’ Note: The positions brought in the journal, in interviews and articles, do not necessarily represent the position of the editorial staff. The Sovereignty platform is a platform for presentation of various, sometimes even contradictory, positions. SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal Sovereignty Movement - Advisory Board hƌŝĂŶŬͬZƵƚŚŝĞĞŶ,ĂLJŝŵͬ^ŚŝŵŽŶŽŚĞŶͬzŽƐƐŝĂŐĂŶ Published by the Sovereignty Movement founded by Women in Green ͬzĞŚƵĚŝƚ<ĂƚƐŽǀĞƌͬZƵƚŚŝĞ>ŝĞďĞƌŵĂŶͬZĞŶĞĞDĂƌŐŽůŝƐͬ24 Editor-in-chief & interviews: Shimon Cohen Nadia Matar / Sam Salomon / Meryl Salomon / Shosh Shilo ͬƌ͘ǀŝLJĂ^ŚŽŚĂŵͬ>ŝŽƌ^ŚƵƌŬĂͬǀƌĂŚĂŵ^ŚǀƵƚ Chairman: Dudu Saada Editorial Board: Yehudit Katsover, Nadia Matar ͬƩLJ͘<ĂƌĞŶ^ƚĂŚůͲŽŶ Vice President: Dudi Finkler dƌĂŶƐůĂƟŽŶĨƌŽŵƚŚĞŽƌŝŐŝŶĂů,ĞďƌĞǁ͗ Sales Manager: Yossi Alkaslasi The Sovereignty Forum Graphic Design: Studio Besheva Sally Zahav, Josh Schreier, Ruchie Avital <ĞŶďƌĂŵŽǀŝƚnjͬƌĂŶĂƌdĂůͬ/ƚĂLJůŝƚƐƵƌͬ:ƵĚLJ&ƌĞĞĚŵĂŶ Studio manager: Sguli Kirshenbaum Responses: [email protected] Fax: 02-9309148 Cellphone: 050-5500834 <ĂĚŝƐŚͬŵď͘zŽƌĂŵƫŶŐĞƌͬĂƌŽůŝŶĞ'ůŝĐŬ Editorial manager: Naama Ben Hayim ͬƩLJůLJĂŬŝŵ,ĂĞƚnjŶŝͬƌ͘DŽƫ<ĞĚĂƌͬZĂďĂŶŝƚ^ŚƵůĂŵŝƚ The Sovereignty Movement founded by Women in Green, POB 7352, Jerusalem WƌŽĚƵĐƟŽŶDĂŶĂŐĞƌ͗^Śŝŵƌŝƚ^ĂŵĞĂĐŚ Melamed / Gen. Moshe Peled Publisher: Besheva Israel, 91072, www.ribonut.co.il Political Journal / SOVEREIGNTY / 3

A Word from the Editors Dear Readers, The significance of the struggle with Covid-19 is a clear orientation in favor of the Palestinian Israel is again facing an election campaign, this second to none, as is the struggle to restore the Arabs. There is no doubt that had we agreed to the time with the backdrop of the economic and health Israeli economy to form, but that does not justify the application of sovereignty of the Deal of the Century, struggle with the covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, blurring of the principles of the right-wing camp. the new administration would have immediately in the pages of this issue, as well as in the general A central question common to several of the articles fulfilled the additional part of the agreement, i.e. activity of our movement, we are seeking to restore in this issue is the question of the ramifications of the the establishment of a Palestinian state and giving the values of Zionism and Judaism, in whose name the Abraham Accords on the commitment to sovereignty away parts of the Negev to the Arabs, steps that State of Israel was established, to the public, political, of the Israeli leadership in the next government in its the majority of people in Israel oppose and which and leadership discourse in Israel. dealings with the new administration in Washington. constitute an existential threat to the future of the We call upon the leaders of the right-wing camp and The words of Professor Talia Einhorn, cited in this State of Israel. We have no doubt that it must have all its parties to present clear, resolute ideological journal, clearly establish why declarations regarding been Divine intervention that halted this dangerous positions due, among other reasons, to the change a freeze in the implementation of sovereignty, if process, as it is promised in the verse: “The eyes of the in administrations in the United States and its they were, in fact, spoken, are not binding from the Lord your G-d are upon it” (Devarim 11:12). This is anticipated ramifications in terms of the approaching perspective of international law. the place to repeat our position: Yes to Sovereignty! political pressure. To counteract this pressure, Israel In an interview with journalist Hodaya Karish- No to a Palestinian state! The Land of Israel, in its will require prominent leadership that clearly and Hazony there are very significant citations of pro- entirety, is ours. resolutely expresses the position of the majority of Israel elements in Washington who explain why it We will emphasize here, the call of Josh Reinstein, the people in Israel, the position of the right-wing was correct to oppose sovereignty according to the president of Israeli Allies Foundation (page 6), to the camp. Democratic values demand this, the truth outline of the Trump plan, which would apparently Israeli leadership to establish a political vision in the demands this, and the role of our generation in the have led the Biden Administration to an attitude chain of Zionism requires this. whereby, in exchange, it would be necessary to spirit of the biblical promise: “To your descendants In the issue before you, we asked representatives recompense the Arab side with compensation of I will give this land” (Bereshit 12:7). This position of the right-wing parties to present their positions equal significance, God forbid. received significant momentum during the Trump regarding the sovereignty vision and commitment to There are new winds blowing in Washington. As these Era, and the ear is open and receptive to it even in the the Land of Israel and to the settlement movement. lines are being written, the American administration era that follows. The moral, ideological, and practical questions that we has already contacted the Palestinian Authority, but Leaders of the Right, keep right! posed to them are the questions that should concern has not yet contacted the Israeli Prime Minister. The Pleasant reading, every voter in Israel before going to the ballot box. new appointments in the administration indicate The Sovereignty Editorial Board

The Majority of the People is Rightwing

Ca. 80 Mandates demand: ● Eretz Yisrael ● Sovereignty ● Settlement ● Aliya ● Jewish Identity ● A reformed Justice System

Total Total 77 Mandates 80 Mandates

7 5 Channel 12 Poll Motsaei Shabbat 06/02/21 8 7 Channel 13 Poll Motsaei Shabbat 06/02/21 30 13 11 6 5 29 14 11 7 4 Likud New Hope Yamina Shas Yisrael Beitenu Agudath Religious Zionism Likud New Hope Yamina Shas Yisrael Agudath Religious Zionism Beitenu Yisrael & Otsma Yisrael & Otsma 4 / SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal

Do the Abraham Accords indeed freeze the application of sovereignty? Continuity of government in democratic countries mandates the implementation of previous commitments by later governments. Does the commitment some claim Netanyahu gave to freeze the sovereignty process in Judea and Samaria bind Israel’s next government? Prof. Talia Einhorn answers our questions.

Prof. Talia Einhorn, expert in international law As Biden enters his term as president to know exactly the contents and scope negotiations. an Israeli commitment that international of the United States and in view of of the undertaking made by the Head At this point, Prof. Einhorn states law should consider binding. The the anticipated change in Israel’s of State. Only if these conditions are emphatically and in no uncertain Palestinians themselves rejected government following the upcoming fulfilled, the commitment may be binding terms that, “from the point of view of President Trump’s plan out of hand and elections in March, the question of on the state. In the present case, I have international law, there is nothing illegal refused to accept any of the preliminary whether Israel’s government is bound by not heard any public commitment made in the Jewish communities across the terms set out in the agreement, and nor pledges supposedly made by Netanyahu by Prime Minister Netanyahu, and when Green Line. In support of the allegations did Israel do anything to advance the there is no such public commitment, it of illegality, international law rules, Trump plan either. has no effect in terms of international concocted especially for Israel, are “The indefinite and sweeping statements law,” observes Prof. Talia Einhorn. invented. We must not ourselves forget regarding this matter, that were included She offers two historical examples in the true legal situation. We must not in the agreement with the UAE, appear to In general terms , a which this issue was examined by the under any circumstances allow ourselves me to serve perhaps as lip service, aimed declaration made by a International Court of Justice: to be convinced that the settlements at quelling an international uproar that Heads of State has no “In 1974, French President Charles De are illegal, because that claim is simply could prevent support for the Abraham Gaulle made a public declaration at a wrong.” Accords. The agreements note a desire binding force unless it press conference broadcast in France’s In reference to the declarations made to strive toward a just solution, they do has been made public media channels, conveying to the world with respect to the Abraham Accords not at all refer to the Interim Agreement In the present case, at large its intention to terminate all regarding the suspension of the between Israel and the PLO, all of which nuclear tests. The International Court of application of sovereignty, Prof. Einhorn means that any solution that will be I have not heard any Justice in The Hague held that because notes a guiding principle whereby “In found, will be deemed acceptable. Later, public commitment the declaration had been made publicly international law, when a state limits there is discussion of working together made by Prime Minister and unambiguously, it was binding upon its own authority, such limitations are through negotiations, but there is no Netanyahu, and when France. interpreted restrictively. To find out mention of a commitment to any kind of In another case presented to the same the scope of a commitment, one must freeze.” there is no such public court in 1986, concerning a frontier examine the text of the commitment, However, as noted earlier, Prof. Einhorn commitment, it has dispute between Burkina Faso and Mali, read in its context. .” observes that there may be a necessity no effect in terms of the court ruled that, since in this case The document echoes “the reception international law there was nothing to hinder the parties held on January 28, 2020, when to the dispute from manifesting their President Trump presented his vision commitments in a formally negotiated for Peace,” in which the parties pledged From the point of bilateral agreement (something that “to continue the efforts to achieve a just, was not practicable in the case of the comprehensive and enduring solution view of international to the Trump administration to freeze nuclear tests), there were no grounds to to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” The law, there is nothing the application of sovereignty over interpret the declaration made by Mali’s document also notes the peace treaty illegal in the Jewish parts of Judea and Samaria as part of the Head of State as a unilateral act with between Israel and Egypt and between communities across the Abraham Accords – if such pledges were legal implications.” Israel and Jordan, which contain a indeed made – remains pending. To this Einhorn adds that there is a deeper commitment to “working together to Green Line. In support We posed this question to Prof. Talia and more compelling question that realize a negotiated solution to the of the allegations of Einhorn, an expert in international law may need to be considered, namely the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets illegality, international who had studied in-depth the status pressures that Israel and its government the legitimate needs and aspirations of the land of Israel in international may face. “Sometimes leaders make of both peoples, and to advance law rules, concocted law: Does continuity of government in pledges or fulfill commitments not comprehensive Middle East peace.” The especially for Israel, a democratic regime mean that oral because of a legal obligation to do so but document further emphasizes, “The are invented declarations that were perhaps made because of political considerations or belief that normalization of Israeli and and that are not explicitly recorded in constraints. In some cases, the price the Emirati relations is in the interest of both written documents are binding? State will have to pay otherwise may be peoples and contributes to the cause of Already at the outset, Prof. Einhorn sets unaffordable. A country may find itself peace in the Middle East and the world.” out some hard and fast rules: “On the placed under heavy economic sanctions for various reasons to suspend the subject of unilateral statements made by or under an arms embargo and so on.” Is there anything in this formulation application of sovereignty, but in legal leaders, the rules of international law are Specifically regarding the issue that constitutes a commitment on terms, this is not stated in writing very clear. The sources of binding law in of suspending the application of the part of Israel to remove its plans anywhere. international law are first and foremost sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, to apply sovereignty from the table? “In terms of international law, there is custom, convention, general principles Einhorn says that, in practice, “no public Prof. Einhorn, who also reviewed the nothing here. But it is not international of law” statement was made.” Moreover, the joint declaration made by the United law that determines the issue, but rather “In general terms , a declaration made final status of Judea and Samaria has States, Israel and the UAE on August the level of threats and pressure.” To this by a Heads of State has no binding force remained pending since the Interim 13, 2020 that appears on the White she adds, “In this matter, Prime Minister unless it has been made public, and in Agreement with the PLO signed in Cairo House website, also mentioned in the Netanyahu has proved himself to be that case, it does not matter whether it in 1995 (for a period of five years), where agreement, as well as USA President the expert at how to maneuver in the was written down or not, as long as it is it was determined that the permanent Trump’s “Peace to Prosperity” plan, says international arena, both regarding the clear and detailed enough for the public status would be decided in subsequent that thus far she has not been able to find Iranian issue as well as on other matters.” Political Journal / SOVEREIGNTY / 5

How and Why Did the Trump Era Pass But we Remain Without Sovereignty

Is there someone to blame for the fact that the opportunity presented by the Trump Era was not exploited for the application of sovereignty? Was the sovereignty proposed by Trump the one for which the settlement leadership had hoped? Had we applied partial sovereignty, would Biden exact a price for it? An interview with journalist Hodaya Karish-Hazony Journalist Hodaya Karish Hazony, Makor Rishon, interviews Amb. David Friedman

In an attempt to understand how the Government Platform, the date aide of Ambassador David Friedman, mentions the significant problems that Trump’s tenure passed without the on which a change could have been he related somewhat derisively to the settlement supporters indicated, Israeli government and its head implemented was mentioned – July 1st. Ashkenazi’s self-aggrandizement among others, the young settlements having advanced, in a practical way, According to the agreement between regarding the removal of sovereignty that were not included on the map, the application of sovereignty, we the coalition parties, from that date from the agenda. “Around July, there traffic arteries and roads that are turned to one who has accompanied forward it would be possible to raise the were American officials who said that truncated, and more. “It is not at all clear issue for discussion. However, on the it is important to them that there be that this application of sovereignty was the political arena for a long time now, date set “not much happened beyond bilateral agreement on the process. It is good for those who seek the wellbeing and among other things, monitors the a vague pronouncement by the Prime unclear that the credit that Ashkenazi of the settlement movement.” pace of progress of the sovereignty Minister. Apparently, that was the only has taken is overstated. Apparently, Here, we return to those hours process, the political reporter of the day during the year on which it would he contributed to it. He declared that during which it became clear that Makor Rishon newspaper, Hodaya have been possible to implement he does not want it to happen and the matters were interpreted Karish-Hazony, who also, it turns out, something. This was after much of the the Americans did not want to get differently by the Israelis than they finds it difficult to point a finger at a initial plan that had been discussed involved in an internal Israeli matter. were by the Americans. What or specific individual who is to blame for during those first two exciting hours in That caused them to take several steps who caused this? the freeze on sovereignty, or even for January had already been eliminated. backward from a plan that was, in any its taking a step backward. Different proposals began to be raised case, shaky.” In order to monitor the progression regarding sovereignty in Gush Etzion She also mentions the opposition to of events and the moment when the and something in the Jordan Valley, the process by elements from the Right partial steps, however, those, too, were like the Sovereignty Movement and Around July, there were opportunity for sovereignty was lost, American officials who Karish-Hazony takes us to January on the agenda for a short time, because the Yesha Council, opposition that, 28, 2020, the date of the ceremony at at the same time agreements began to even if they attempted to present said that it is important the White House, when, she relates: it as complex, opposition to the to them that there be “Something happened that American paragraph regarding the Palestinian state and agreement to sovereignty, bilateral agreement on sources insist on characterizing as a the process. It is unclear misunderstanding.” Washington officials it was received by the Americans as additional opposition to that of Blue that the credit that “Something happened which caused who are settlement Netanyahu to emerge from the and White, but this time, from the Israeli Ashkenazi has taken is enthusiasts believe that right-wing. In this situation, “when White House with the feeling that he overstated. Apparently, would be able to apply sovereignty had sovereignty been an opening was created to replace it with the Abraham Accords, they opted he contributed to it. within one week; however, within a applied, even partially, it few hours, Jared Kushner conducted for those agreements, which were media interviews in which he explained is possible that at present, accepted throughout the world with that it would take time, and that a the settlements would open arms, and in the framework of committee must be established that those agreements, Israel abandoned have been confronted the sovereignty plan.” “That is the question. I posed this would outline what precisely needs to with a more complex be done and how. Apparently there Is this agreement that Israel is question to Friedman and to his aide. was a misunderstanding between situation after Biden’s abandoning sovereignty written The American answer is that there was Netanyahu and White House officials election and they would anywhere? Apparently not. It appears a misunderstanding.” regarding the work that was required that it is a mutual agreement between Karish-Hazony continues with a very deem it necessary to give the parties. “In the initial American significant comment regarding the before it actually happens. At that th point, the Mapping Committee was the Palestinians a gift press release on August 13 , the day possibility that Israel would have, established with Israeli and American that is no less significant of the trilateral conversation between indeed, applied sovereignty over the representatives.” Trump, Netanyahu, and bin Zayed, it entire territory in the face of Arab “The committee began its meetings, but is written that Israel is postponing the refusal. She attributes this comment to then Covid-19 arrived, which halted application of sovereignty. After the what she characterizes as, “Washington the process,” Karish-Hazony says, fact, it became clear that Israel agreed officials who are settlement and notes that it is unclear whether be formulated with the United Arab to remove the matter from the agenda enthusiasts,” who, in her opinion, Emirates, which was publicized on in order to progress on the path of the believe that “had sovereignty been Covid-19 was, in fact, the reason for th the suspension of the cessation of August 13 . That was the flickering of Abraham Accords, which were gradually applied, even partially, it is possible that the committee’s work, or whether it the possibility.” extended to additional countries.” at present, the settlements would have is merely a pretext that some people Karish-Hazony notes that at the Regarding the paragraphs of been confronted with a more complex preferred to exploit. same time “there are elements, sovereignty in the plan, Karish- situation after Biden’s election, because After the White House ceremony, like Gabi Ashkenazi, who, in an act Hazony is skeptical whether it had the it would have been perceived as the there were elections in Israel and a of self-aggrandizement, take the capacity to lead to full, comprehensive ultimate gift to the Israeli settlement national unity government was formed credit for removing sovereignty from sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. movement, and they would deem it with the Blue and White party. In the agenda.” It is notable that in an “That is not what was included in the necessary to give the Palestinians a gift interview that she conducted with the plan from the outset,” she says and that is no less significant.” 6 / SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal

The Most Sovereignty 6LJQL¿FDQW and Faith-Based Decisions Were

Diplomacy Photo: Hadas parush Flash 90 Made Contrary By: Josh Reinstein to the Position

Josh Reinstein, President of the Israel Allies of the United Yossi Dagan ,the head of the Shomron Foundation Regional Council The signing of the Abraham criminalizing Jewish communities States Accords is an incredible victory beyond the 1949 armistice line. for the policy described as “peace The Trump administration recognized through strength”. For the last this false narrative, and Secretary of Those who feared confrontation with the hostile Obama, four years former President Trump State Mike Pompeo announced that cautioned against a confrontation with the friendly Trump, disregarded all conventional wisdom the administration was replacing and they will again cause us to panic over the prospects regarding the Middle East despite the Hansell memo with an accurate warnings from past presidents, State assessment of international law. “It of a confrontation with Biden. But the determination and Department officials and diplomats is important that we speak the truth the decision take place in Jerusalem, not in Washington. An around the world. Many thought that when the facts lead us to it. And interview with the head of the Shomron Regional Council his new policies would end in death that’s what we’ve done,” Pompeo Yossi Dagan. and destruction. How did he know announced in January 2020. what no one else did? How did he see Because many of Trump’s core peace when everyone else saw war? supporters were Bible-believing “Much to my chagrin, I am forced to of the nuclear reactor in Dimona, The answer lies with a concept called Christians who look at the world from repeat what I cautioned against in sovereignty in the Golan Heights, faith-based diplomacy. a biblical point of view, he adopted recent years. We have witnessed with bombing the reactor in Iraq, bombing As I wrote in my book “Titus, Trump their perspective and as a result our own eyes the miss of a historic the reactor in Syria, all these were and the Triumph of Israel”, former made some bold decisions. The most opportunity. We could have achieved decided contrary to the position of the President Trump chose to look notable example is moving the U.S. great and significant accomplishments. White House. We got confused. Instead at Israel from a biblical point of embassy to Jerusalem. Every advisor, But it did not happen because the of telling Trump: You are a supporter view. This shift was not necessarily from the secretary of state at the government did not want it to happen. of Israel, your electoral base supports politically correct, but it was biblically time to his secretary of defense, told It is just like the story of the Hebrew Israel, we will apply sovereignty over all correct. His views were mirrored by Trump that he was making a huge slave who refuses to go free, and is the communities in Judea and Samaria Christian members of Parliament mistake. The State Department said interested, instead, in having his ear and we will introduce a construction around the world. This past July, that such an initiative would start pierced.” So states Yossi Dagan, head boom, and that we can disagree and twenty chairmen of Israel Allies a third Intifada and that thousands of the Shomron Regional Council, remain friends; we remained with the Caucuses from countries around would be killed. They claimed it could who warned against the Trump plan, old paradigm.” the world, representing hundreds of lead to World War III. but at the same time believes that it “The Israeli government wanted to politicians, signed a letter supporting What it led to instead was a new wave would have been possible to promote remain with the Obama blueprint with Israel’s right to sovereignty. The of peace in the Middle East through a completely different blueprint during improvements, and therefore there letter explained that Israel declaring the Abraham Accords. It proved the Trump era. sovereignty “had the potential to that “peace through strength” “The government is not really a bring peace and prosperity closer to and moral clarity is the only way maidservant of the administration the region.” forward to peace. Once again the in the United States. The ball is in Jerusalem’s court, not Washington’s. We got confused. Like the recognition of Jerusalem and purveyors of panic are speaking out I have attended meetings in very Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan against sovereignty. They believe important offices in Jerusalem, with Instead of telling Heights, this way of thinking flies in that recognizing Jewish rights in the Trump: you are a the face of conventional wisdom. Biblical heartland would create more very, very important people. They But just as those policies led to a conflict and regional instability. They said to me that Obama is a president supporter of Israel, who is hostile to Israel, and we must your electoral base period of unprecedented peace, so are wrong. not enter into a confrontation with too would Israel’s implementation The leaders of Israel must learn him. Who knows what will happen at supports Israel, we of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria from what we saw over the last four will apply sovereignty enhance peace in this region. years and not be afraid to declare the UN and in the Security Council. Since former President Carter’s term, sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. I told them that the ball is in their and we will introduce court, not in Washington. Suddenly, a construction boom, the policy of the U.S government There are more than half a million Trump arrived, and the same people, has been to hold Israel’s so-called citizens living in these communities. in the same offices, said that Trump is a and we are allowed to “occupation” responsible for the It is time for Israel’s leaders to boldly oppose a Palestinian absence of peace in the Middle East. state the obvious - these citizens supporter of Israel; therefore, we must not enter into a confrontation with state and remain The PLO’s aggression and refusal to can not be abandoned and in order him. I told them that the problem is not either disavow terrorism or accept to enhance peace in the region, we with Obama and not with Trump. The friends; we remained Israel’s right to exist was brushed must declare sovereignty over these problem is with you. You do not dare with the old paradigm aside. The Obama administration communities. If our leaders have the to act.” adopted the 1978 Hansell courage to declare sovereignty in In Dagan’s opinion, the very notion Memorandum, which condemned Judea and Samaria, legislators of faith that every Israeli move requires Israeli communities in Judea and will rally to the cause. a seal of approval from the White Samaria, as official U.S. policy. This ● ● ● State Department document was House is fundamentally mistaken. based on an erroneous interpretation Josh Reinstein is the President of “All the significant decisions in the was a historic missed opportunity of a of the Fourth Geneva Convention the Israel Allies Foundation which State of Israel, beginning with the historic situation. The greatest missed from 1949 and had no basis in coordinates the activities of 50 Israel establishment of Israel, Ben-Gurion’s opportunity is regarding the issue international law. But Obama’s Allies Caucuses made up of 1200 decision extending sovereignty to of sovereignty,” Dagan states and acceptance of it enabled the UN legislatures in countries around the West Jerusalem, continuing on to the elaborates that the Trump sovereignty world. preemptive strike that saved Israel blueprint that left isolated communities Security Council to pass a resolution during the Six Day War, establishment and required agreement for the Continued on page 15 Political Journal / SOVEREIGNTY / 7

The Biden Era is no Reason to Shelve Sovereignty – on the Contrary Photo: office of the MK MK Bezalel Smotrich: The Biden era will be more difficult for the challenge of sovereignty, but it is important and possible to begin with symbols of sovereignty, one of which is to dismantle the Civil Administration and normalize life for the Jews living in Judea and Samaria.

Mk Bezalel Smotrich, head of the “Religious Zionism”, former Minister of Transportation Contrary to many others on the Right, our interests; to cling to the best of Moreover, Smotrich believes, it is Member of Knesset Bezalel Smotrich the Trump legacy, which is that the possible and necessary to advance vigorously criticized the Trump plan Palestinian matter is the basis for sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, right from the start, and saw that its instability in the Middle East and to take Ma’ale Adumim and more during We can now expect entire purpose was the establishment off the table the bad idea of dividing the the Biden era. “Advance in phases. I pressure from the Biden of a Palestinian state, albeit on a smaller Land for the sake of a Palestinian state”. certainly do not believe that we must administration and the scale than that which leaders of the PA “Anyone who will become prime minister shelve sovereignty for four more years. and the Israeli left hoped for. will have had to establish such a stance This, in my opinion, would be very bad. question arises as to what Smotrich points the finger of guilt for the because if you give in to pressure, you We must roll the ball halfway down the will be the structure of wording and design of the dangerous cause them to pressure you more. Just opponent’s half of the field, so that the the cabinet, which will plan, which supposedly came from the as Netanyahu stood during the Obama conflicts with the administration will be White House, at Prime Minister Benjamin period on the Iranian issue, he could also around our demand for sovereignty have to vote on whether have stood for the issue of sovereignty” and not around their demand to to submit to pressure As someone who leads the freeze building, to withdraw and make for a building freeze, opposition to the idea of shelving concessions”. evacuating outposts the right-wing values during the About the Trump plan and the missed or even more than this, Netanyahu should have Corona period, MK Smotrich is opportunity that it represents, Heaven forbid advanced sovereignty. He convinced that it is possible to do Smotrich says: “I did oppose the Trump quite a bit, even during the Biden plan. When the plan was launched there is the one who wrote the era, to advance the vision. “We must was an unequivocal American statement Trump plan, and he should begin with symbols of sovereignty, by that it was a plan whose maps could be have written something dismantling the Civil Administration drawn differently. When we understood and making the management of the that the Americans insisted on the a building freeze, evacuating outposts else, much better. It settlement enterprise subject to various map that breaks the contiguity of the or even more than this, Heaven forbid? would have been possible government offices, a step that has no Jewish communities and maintains Arab If you understand that you do not fold to come up with a much international significance but a lot of contiguity in a way that very clearly up your flags, you work for a certain coalition structure that will stand up better plan significance to de facto sovereignty. favors the conditions for a Palestinian This is a step that would normalize state, we made it clear that this map is to these pressures. Personally, Naftali life and signal that Israel controls her bad and we opposed it”. Bennett is no less right-wing than I am, territory directly by taking the military But as mentioned, Smotrich’s but we don’t vote for people according administration, which is bad from a criticism is directed toward to whether they have nice eyes or their practical point of view as well, out of the Netanyahu and he clarifies: “My personal opinions, but according to Netanyahu, who, in his opinion, could picture, because the services it gives criticism is for Netanyahu, who brought what they say they are going to do with and should have led to an outline of true us there. Netanyahu, faithful to his our mandate and Naftali Bennett says sovereignty, with American support. approach from the Bar Ilan speech, that with these mandates, he will not “The reality of the settlement enterprise thinks that we must create a separation promote sovereignty, amend the justice during the Biden era might be more in Judea and Samaria. He does not system, deal with illegal immigrants, difficult and complex than during the We must roll the ball want to define it as a state, but as an Judaizing the Negev and the Galilee. Trump era, and this is the greatest “autonomy plus” or “state minus”, but He will only deal with livelihood. This is halfway down the why we parted ways. He thinks that it is criticism of Netanyahu, who wasted the opponent’s half of the his concept is the same concept as the four Trump years. Although Netanyahu Left and we totally disagree with him in correct to put ideology aside and delve did indeed bring about achievements in field, so that the conflicts this matter”. into economic matters. I believe that this normalization with the Muslim states, he with the administration Smotrich views the matter of is a mistake ideologically, and certainly should have advanced sovereignty. He will be around our sovereignty as one of the issues practically, especially if it leads to a is the one who wrote the Trump plan, that led ultimately to his party’s government with Lapid and Lieberman. and he should have written something demand for sovereignty separation from Naftali Bennett’s Could such a government based on else, much better. It would have been and not around their New Right and he explains: “The basis livelihood withstand Biden’s pressures?” possible to come up with a much better demand to freeze for the New Right and Religious Zionism Smotrich views sovereignty as an integral part of his party’s election plan”, Smotrich is convinced. building, to withdraw and parting ways is, among other things, in Does the Biden era herald the this. Naftali says that during the next campaign as well as a working plan shelving of the vision of sovereignty make concessions four years he will put aside the values of for the day after the elections. “I want at least until the end of his term? Not Religious Zionism, including sovereignty, the State of Israel to strive all the time at all, if it depends on Smotrich. “What and deal with the economy. This toward sovereignty, even if it is not we must not do during the Biden era statement immediately imply certain complete, we will begin with Ma’ale is to broadcast that we feel pressured, are much worse than those given by the components of the coalition”. Adumim, the Jordan Valley, etc. Conflicts which would invite even more pressure. government offices, but is also very bad “We can now expect pressure from the with the American administration will We must broadcast that a disagreement from the point of view of “optics”. We Biden administration and the question be around our striving for sovereignty between friends is possible, but not give do not want the military to manage the arises as to what will be the structure and not around their demand for in to pressure. We must be resolute communities in Judea and Samaria; but of the cabinet, which will have to vote withdrawals or concessions. Therefore, and stand for our rights, advance to signify it as part of the State of Israel”. on whether to submit to pressure for sovereignty must be alive and kicking”. 8 / SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal

Increasing the settlement Metropolis Color enterprise to 2 million people Barkat’s Master North- Haifa Samaria-Ariel Plan Determines Eastern Gush Dan- Tel Aviv Jerusalem Southern Hebron / Sovereignty on Northern Negev Jordan Valley

the Ground The Green Line Area a & B

*Bold space = a cluster designed for settlement development Photo: office of the MK

Jerusalem MK Nir Barkat

The international work teams recruited by MK Nir Barkat redrew Israel’s map without the Green Line and from the perspective of land reserves for housing and employment in the coming decades. Sovereignty, in practice.

Maps taken from the brochure "The Barkat Plan for the economic and settlement development of Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley"

One person who is unwilling to wait for development of Judea and Samaria.” and we defined two growth engines for an official declaration of the application Together with Prof. Michael Porter of Judea and Samaria, each of which is a of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria Harvard Business School, a global expert significant engine in its own right.” and who seeks to create sovereignty in the development of competitiveness The first growth engine that the teams facts on the ground – at least in terms and economics in regions and cities, The Land of the Bible identified as having real potential is of employment, industry, tourism and Barkat went out into the field to analyze is in second place in the advantage represented by the the expansion of Jewish communities – is the situation and gain insights regarding terms of marketing industrial zones in Barkan, Mishor Likud MK and former Jerusalem mayor the area’s business and tourism potential. potential, surpassed Adumim and others, areas where all Nir Barkat. “We wanted to see those initiatives that the available rental space is taken and Immediately upon completion of his are already succeeding on the ground only by Jerusalem. that have proven to be consistently second five-year term as mayor of and where there’s additional potential Seven of all ten successful. The characteristic shared Jerusalem and even before entering the for growth,” explains Barkat. “This is a Americans and four of by all the businesses in these areas is a Knesset, he recruited experts to draw well-known method all over the world. combination of Israeli entrepreneurship, up a comprehensive plan for dramatic Prof. Porter is one of the world’s leading every ten Europeans technology, capital and management development in Judea and Samaria. “I experts in this field and together we would love to visit the alongside lower labor and land costs. decided to use my experience as an created three work teams, one for the sites where the Bible The center of the country does not offer entrepreneur and mayor for the benefit Galilee and the Golan, one for Judea and stories occurred these low costs and the PA does not have of the enormous potential in Judea and Samaria and one for the Negev and the the technological and administrative Samaria, and the very next day, two Arava. Each of the teams delved in deep advantage that Israel can provide,” American experts arrived and we started and closely studied economic reports. observes Barkat. working on plans for the economic We set up round tables for businesses Based on this insight, a map was drawn up Political Journal / SOVEREIGNTY / 9

Development of tourist sites that expands the existing employment zones in Judea and Samaria by a factor Key on the Bible Trail of ten over the next thirty years. Barkat The Green Line views the business potential that can be Area A & B Border crossing actualized in Judea and Samaria as an Divider economic reserve for industrial plants Existing road from all over Israel, and even from Suggested new road neighboring countries in the Middle East. “This is not a theoretical map; it’s a practical map,” he emphasizes. The second potential growth engine the experts identified was inspired by the successful tourist site in Shilo. “I learned that about 40,000 Evangelist tourists visited the Shilo site in 2018. There are more than 700 million Evangelists worldwide and they consider a visit to Shilo a must. We hired an international firm that conducted market research in the US and Europe, and it discovered that the Land of the Bible is in second place in terms of marketing potential, surpassed only by Jerusalem. Seven of all ten Americans and four of every ten Europeans would love to visit the sites where the Bible stories occurred.” With these conclusions in mind, Barkat’s

I discovered that the national Planning Administration is not responsible for comprehensive planning in Judea and Samaria and that no one is planning the growth there. The ones doing the planning are the settlement leaders, with each looking out for another hilltop and a few hundred more housing units in their area. But no one is in charge on the state level

work teams drew up a map of 23 different sites that focus on Bible stories, almost all of which are located in Judea and Samaria, including those that do not public diplomacy for Israel too. This plan a completely different type of approach Can a plan like this be advanced yet have a properly organized tourist is ready for action and with G-d’s help, compared to settlement leaders who during the Biden era? Barkat does not site. Barkat notes, for example, that the my goal is to move this plan forward.” naturally focus only on a few hundred overlook the political and global changes Jacob’s Dream site at Beth El is not yet Following an in-depth examination more housing units.” anticipated with the new administration constructed as a tourist site, whereas of the state’s attitude towards Judea In order to make the mental switch, in the White House. “There is no doubt the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls draws and Samaria, Barkat was surprised to Barkat’s team designed a map of the that Biden is not Trump. But as I see it, in about half a million tourists each year discover that the Israeli land reserves population distribution and drew any scenario, if you don’t put an orderly (in non-Covid years), and its souvenir in Judea and Samaria have not been up a map for Israel’s future. The plan on the table and create a broad shop brings in revenues of about NIS 50 the target of orderly state planning. map, which completely ignores the Israeli consensus, it will be that much million a year, so that it is a combination I discovered that the national Planning Green Line, focuses on the impact more difficult to reach your objective. of an economic anchor and a tourist Administration is not responsible for of the various metropolitan areas Our plan is the first of its kind. I am anchor in one place. comprehensive planning in Judea and on Judea and Samaria. “For example, committed to it and will do whatever it “Beyond the economic and tourist Samaria and that no one is planning western Samaria is the eastern part of takes to execute it as far as the political value, organized tourist sites also the growth there. The ones doing the the greater Tel Aviv area. That’s where situation allows.” make it clear to the world who the planning are the settlement leaders, their jobs and shopping are; southeast "It depends on us more than on land on which the sites are located with each looking out for another hilltop Mt. Hebron is impacted by Be’er Sheba; anyone else. I’m convinced that if we belongs to,” says Barkat. “An individual and a few hundred more housing units the southern part of the Benjamin present smart and fair plans – and the that comes to Israel and has visited these in their area. But no one is in charge on region and the Etzion Bloc are part of Palestinians also have a lot to gain tourist sites in Israel goes home and the state level. That’s why together with the Jerusalem metropolitan area. This from this plan in terms of employment becomes a loyal ambassador of Israel, the Kohelet Forum, I sat down to plan approach ignores the Green Line, but – they will be accepted and advanced,” so this has additional value in terms of where two million people would live. It’s relates to the actual fabric of life.” concludes Barkat. 10 / SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal

Avigdor Do not Remove Flash 90 Lieberman’s Sovereignty

Photo: office of the MK Canton Plan from the Public Yisrael Beiteinu has become Discourse the tie breaker between the Mk Ayelet Shaked, Yamina, former Minister of right- and left-wing blocs. Justice What are the party’s views on sovereignty, the future of MK Yevgeny Soba, Yisrael Beitenu MK Ayelet Shaked considers Netanyahu responsible for Israel’s communities in Judea missing the historic opportunity during the Trump era to and Samaria and a future advance sovereignty and no, she is not at all referring to political settlement? a deal that would include establishing a Palestinian state. MK Yevgeny Soba explains in an interview with Sovereignty Former Justice Minister MK Ayelet Shaked makes clear that the Shaked also sees the end of the Trump position of her party today is In the last few election campaigns, on the Jordan Valley, “as it says in the era as the closing of a very important consistent with the policy that the Yisrael Beiteinu party led by MK bill submitted by my party, a bill that window of opportunity to advance the Bennett presented a number of Avigdor Lieberman found itself on enjoys wall-to-wall support. We had vision of sovereignty, and she blames years ago entitled The Stabilization the rift line between the right- and an opportunity to do that during the Netanyahu for this. Plan, the essence of which is left-wing blocs. Its decision not to join Trump period. Unfortunately, it didn’t “During the Trump administration, sovereignty over the entire the Netanyahu government came as happen because Netanyahu didn’t there was a rare opportunity to apply territory of Area C. To this, she adds quite a surprise at the start in view of want to support our bill.” sovereignty at least over part of that if she had been asked whether to Lieberman’s hawkish views, but from “Judea and Samaria should not be Judea and Samaria, over the Jewish accept the Trump plan for sovereignty communities and the Jordan Valley. only over the Jordan Valley, her answer one election to the next, the Israeli treated as a single entity. Area A is Unfortunately, Netanyahu missed this would be positive. “We must take what public grew accustomed to what completely different from Areas B opportunity. We are now entering a we can - to say that in principle, we appeared to be a change not only in and C. It’s clear that Gush Etzion is an term of Democrat administration, the want sovereignty over all of Area C the party’s behavior, but also in its inseparable part of Israel, and nor is Biden administration, and it is clear but take what we can. Unfortunately, political positions. there any dispute about Ariel or Maaleh that it will be more difficult, but we Netanyahu did not take even that”. In a conversation with MK Yevgeny Adumim.” must continue to place this matter on Would a coalition including Lapid Soba, we tried to determine “It is important that sovereignty the table”. allow Bennett to promote the what the party’s positions are on be applied in coordination with the Regarding her party’s commitment application of sovereignty? “We the issue of sovereignty, Jewish Americans and based on a consensus to the vision of sovereignty, Shaked don’t know what the options would settlement in Judea and Samaria in Israeli society, and not used as a says: “It was Bennet and I who raised be”, says Shaked, refusing to see a and the political future of Judea and bargaining chip before elections. It is this when we entered the Knesset in coalition with such a structure as the 2013. Before that, no one spoke about only option. “All options are open. Samaria. MK Soba expressed his views unacceptable to me to throw the five sovereignty. But since then, with the Bennett can also form a government frankly without making bombastic hundred thousand Jewish residents help of Yehudit Katsover and Nadia declarations or promises that may be Matar, who have been leading this pleasing to hear now but difficult or matter for many years, it has become impossible to make good on after the a kind of consensus in the Right. elections. Yamina is a right-wing party. Everyone Yamina is a right-wing At the outset, Soba refers to the For now, Israel’s we bring into the party supports party. Everyone we former US President Donald Trump. sovereignty efforts sovereignty. bring into the party “We should and do regret that we were should be focused “Operationally, whatever was not supports sovereignty unable to bring about recognition of on the Jordan Valley, done during the Trump era will be the Jordan Valley as sovereign territory difficult to do during Biden’s first as it says in the bill year, but it must be on the table and of the State of Israel during the Trump submitted by my party, era. We as Yisrael Beiteinu submitted it must be part of the discourse. We a bill that enjoys wall- must find opportunities and the most with the haredim and the Likud.” a bill to that effect that was signed by courageous politician that I know is We ask whether, as someone who the entire faction, but unfortunately, it to-wall support. We Bennett. Just as he had the courage defines the end of the Trump era didn’t happen.” had an opportunity to blow up the negotiations between as a missed opportunity, she is In regard to Judea and Samaria, MK to do that during Netanyahu and Abu Mazen in 2014 ignoring the package deal in the Soba’s answer is a bit more nuanced: the Trump period. when he issued an ultimatum on the Trump plan, a package deal that “On the personal level, of course I Unfortunately, it release of Israeli terrorists, when the included establishing a Palestinian support sovereignty in Judea and time is right he will have the courage state on part of the territory. Samaria, but we have to be realistic. didn’t happen because to place this plan on the table with the Shaked responds with the clarification: It’s impossible to apply sovereignty Netanyahu didn’t want American administration”. “We don’t accept it, but according to support our bill Shaked notes that during the Trump to what we understood from senior right now over Area A, which is home era, which she defined as a period American officials, there was an to a large Palestinian population. Let’s when there was the highest chance opportunity to apply sovereignty be pragmatic. We won’t be able to for a breakthrough in the matter of because the Palestinians were not apply sovereignty to the areas that sovereignty, her party, which was cooperating. So on the day when Netanyahu handed over as part of the then in the opposition, made it clear Netanyahu was with Trump in Wye Agreement. Anyone that focuses of Judea and Samaria a few promises to Netanyahu that he would have full Washington, we understood from on sovereignty outside the settlement in the air before the elections, and support of her party if he brought those officials that it would be possible blocks does not understand the after the elections to say I was unable the issue to a vote. “He did not do it. to apply sovereignty without paying situation on the ground.” to withstand the pressure because He chose to make a peace agreement a price because of the Palestinian Soba emphasizes: “For now, Israel’s of the agreement with Dubai, so I had with the United Arab Emirates”. refusal to cooperate. sovereignty efforts should be focused to concede applying sovereignty in Continued on page 14 Political Journal / SOVEREIGNTY / 11

Anyone who The Silent says that he Obstacle Facing photo: Ari Briggs

Photo: Arnon Busnaei will Apply Sovereignty Sovereignty Legislation Right After the Mk Amit Halevy, Likud Elections is Not Dani Dayan, New Hope As long as the balance of power between the branches of government are not reformed and regulated, as long as the Telling the Truth court interferes and nullifies laws, as long as the Attorney General nullifies and expunges Knesset and government decisions, sovereignty legislation will remain a distant dream. MK Amit Halevi puts the cards on the table. A senior member of the “New Hope” party, Dani Dayan, When speaking with Member of that this has been placed on the asserts that in light of Netanyahu’s commitment to the United Knesset Amit Halevi of the Likud on agenda nationally, internationally, States and the Emirates not to apply sovereignty, it will not the topic of sovereignty, he takes us and in Washington, and that it is be possible to implement that step even after he leaves. On several steps back and asserts that as resonating in the diplomatic world. long as the necessary changes to the This decision must be adopted by the other hand, it is important to cultivate public opinion in legal system are not implemented, it the Israeli government; however, favor of sovereignty and take sovereign actions and bolster will not be possible to promote the the legal aspects are impediments to the communities in Judea and Samaria. practical steps of sovereignty. These the implementation of these steps.” steps, he determines, will again and When he is asked to put his finger again encounter the fortified wall of on those legislative actions that Dani Dayan, former head of the Yesha devote the upcoming period to the legal system that has coopted will restore the ability to advance Council, and today a senior candidate cultivate public opinion in favor authority to which it is not entitled legislation in various areas of the “New Hope” party, is not rushing of sovereignty, what will that look to nullify laws, to determine what is to the Knesset, among them to promise application of sovereignty like? reasonable and what is not, and for the issue of sovereignty, MK in Judea and Samaria immediately “First, we will assert our right. We will all intents and purposes, coopted Halevi responds and mentions upon establishment of the new raise the issue onto the international the hegemony over the ability to several governability laws that government headed by Gideon Sa’ar. agenda, and beyond that, we must govern in Israel. he proposed in the Knesset He directs blame for this situation at work on cultivating public opinion in According to Halevi, “until the whose objective is to regulate the present Prime Minister, Binyamin Israel as well.” imbalance between the branches relations between the branches Netanyahu. “Parallel to those actions, we must of government in the Israeli of government in Israel. “A law “Personally, certainly I, Gideon Sa’ar, take steps that, even if they do democracy is rectified, until the that establishes in legislation in Ze’ev Elkin, and the party in general, not fully satisfy our desire, are separation of powers, the ability of what matters the court can and support sovereignty over the expressions of sovereignty. The the Supreme Court to intervene in communities in Judea and Samaria, Knesset legislation, as well as the but the problem is that we live in a ability of the Attorney General as democratic regime in which the elected a single individual to intervene in All these laws prime minister is obligated to honor government and Knesset decisions were intended to the commitments of his predecessors. The reference is to are regulated, we will continue to be Regrettably, there is an unequivocal enable the people taking resolute action in the same situation regarding the commitment by Netanyahu to the against Palestinian issue of sovereignty.” to determine their Americans and the Emiratis not to In light of this reality, Halevi believes, own fate, so that apply sovereignty in the near future,” construction in Area “Even if the State of Israel were the people will be asserts Dayan, who is convinced that C. Application of to seek to apply sovereignty and even if this commitment was marketed sovereignty is not Israeli law with all the ramifications sovereign over their as a vague statement, actually, “it is of these steps, all sorts of people lives, and fifteen a firm commitment by Netanyahu,” necessary in order will race to the High Court of Justice judges or a single according to his characterization. to put an end to the and we will again see the same person on Saladin “Just as when Netanyahu was first anarchy sponsored type of intervention that we see in elected prime minister in 1996, by foreign and Israeli cases of ‘mini-sovereignty,’ like the Street will not although he opposed the Oslo regulation of the young settlement determine our fate Accords, he was forced to continue elements, to which the enterprise. The High Court of Justice and our future to fulfill them. He even signed off on Israeli government and will not hesitate to nullify a Knesset a partition of the city of Hebron and the Civil Administration law. ‘Market overt’ is recognized, a withdrawal from most of the city. turn a blind eye exists in law as an Israeli military Therefore, anyone who says that he order, but the Attorney General cannot intervene, the limitations of will apply sovereignty right after the delays it and the High Court of judicial review in court, a law that elections is not telling the truth.” Justice postpones it.” addresses the method of selecting In a political and diplomatic reality of Halevi is hopeful that after the judges, who are currently chosen, this kind, Dayan says that “we will be upcoming elections, a right-wing not by a majority of representatives forced to devote the upcoming period government will be established of the public, but by others. to cultivate public opinion in Israel, reference is to taking resolute action with the issue of sovereignty The same is true regarding the the United States, and the world to against Palestinian construction in on its agenda. “The reference is authority of the Attorney General, the fact that our position is that in Area C. Application of sovereignty to the realization of the national whose standing today is not legally the future it is necessary to apply is not necessary in order to put an rights that only we have over this regulated, which does not prevent sovereignty.” end to the anarchy sponsored by region. Therefore, it is important him from coopting authority that is When you say that you will foreign and Israeli elements, to which Continued on page 15 Continued on page 14 12 / SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal

The Right is talking about Sovereignty again! Representatives of the Likud, Yamina, New Hope and Religious Zionism met for a special zoom panel led and initiated by the Sovereignty Movement. Representatives of the four right-wing parties presented their party’s position on the matter of sovereignty, the Land of Israel and the expected political atmosphere during the Biden era.

Likud-Likud- CCoalitionoalition thethe dismaldismal resultresult is zerozero new NewNew HHopeope – north Jerusalem be built? communities and there was veryvery Elkin:Elkin: In mmyy opinion,opinion, it certaincertainlyly will.will. HeadHead MK Miki ZZoharohar little buildingbuilding even in Jerusalem. FormerFormer Minister Even when I ran forfor mayormayor ofof the city,city, Zohar exexplainedplained that he does not I set this as a goal,goal, and as minister forfor looklook at the number of communitiescommunities ZZeeveev ElkiElkinn JerusalemJerusalem AAffairsffairs in the past,past, I saw TheThe meetinmeeting,g, whichwhich was conductedconducted butbut at the number ooff Jewish residents,residents, this area as a kekeyy land reserve forfor with a positivepositive and friendlyfriendly which is close to halfhalf a million,million, which Jerusalem.Jerusalem. aatmospheretmosphere despitedespite the differencesdifferences is farfar fromfrom what it was a decade What aboutabout thethe ArabArab betweenbetween thethe parties,parties, beganbegan withwith a Former Minister Elkin (New(New HoHope)pe) ago”.ago”. This is not trivial. This is a greatgreat is asked how sisignificantgnificant the matter neighborhoodsneighborhoods in north questionquestion to Miki Zohar: HowHow cancan hehe achievement”.achievement”. Jerusalem?Jerusalem? promotepromote the sovereigntysovereignty planplan that ooff sovereisovereigntygnty will be forfor his new Your positionposition in favor of the pparty,arty, Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope,Hope, Elkin:Elkin: I am uneunequivocallyquivocally opposedopposed hehe believesbelieves iinn. Zohar emphasizedemphasized settlement enterpriseenterprise and to relinquishingrelinquishing sovereigntysovereignty over atat the beginningbeginning ofof his remarks that esespeciallypecially in lilightght ooff the exexpectationpectation sovereigntysovereignty is well known, but by the party’sparty’s members ooff formingforming a them.them. As someone whowho opposesopposes a the proposalproposal forfor the applicationapplication ofof there is a sense that youyou do PalestinianPalestinian state, I dodo not see anyany sovereigntysovereignty thatthat hehe publishedpublished in ccoalitionoalition withwith YeshYesh AtidAtid andand similarsimilar not criticize NetanyahuNetanyahu for his pparties.arties. logiclogic in surrenderingsurrendering sovereigntysovereignty thethe pastpast is not enoughenough becausebecause a conduct, regardingregarding the freeze, there.there. RegardingRegarding theirtheir treatment practicalpractical proposalproposal must bebe backedbacked Elkin: “My“My approachapproach is that we have etc.etc. to telltell thethe truth,truth, even whenwhen it is not andand municipalmunicipal membership,membership, thatthat by thethe governmentgovernment withwith a largelarge Zohar:Zohar: “We“We dodo criticize the Prime is sometsomethinghing else,else, becausebecause at thethe majoritymajority thatthat supportssupports sovereigntysovereignty so comcomfortable,fortable, and the truth is Minister,Minister, butbut in contrast to others,others, simsimple.ple. AlthoughAlthough sovereigntysovereignty is so momentmoment therethere is almostalmost no municimunicipalpal andand the relative consentconsent of we dodo it internally,internally, governancegovernance ofof these neighborhoods,neighborhoods, the U.S.U.S. administration.administration. imimportant,portant, and I was the firstfirst within behindbehind closedclosed doorsdoors the Likud to pushpush forfor it, we must whichwhich havehave becomebecome a no-no- However,However, hehe andand in personalpersonal man’s-landman’s-land with illeillegalgal emphasizesemphasizes tthathat in hishis kknownow the facts.facts. NetanyahuNetanyahu conversations. IIff youyou is ccommittedommitted toto thethe buildingbuilding andand illegalillegal personalpersonal opinion,opinion, askedasked Netanyahu,Netanyahu, immigration.g thethe American AAmericanmerican policypolicy as partpart n hehe wouldwould bebe veryvery ooff the peacepeace accords, Gideon Sa’ar agreementagreement Yo o:o happyhappy to applyapply whwhichich postponespostpones sspeakspeaks of shouldshould notnot taketake sovereignty,sovereignty, correctincorrectingg the tootoo much of photo: Yonatan Zindel flash90 the matter of butbut as a sovereisovereigntygnty forfor a jjusticeustice ssystem,ystem, ourour attentionattention pragmaticp rag mati c photo: Yonatan Zindel flash90 bbutut howhow becausebecau se nnumberumber ooff years.years. person,person, hehe ThThisis ccommitmentommitment ddoesoes hehe planplan “We“We cannotcannot lookslooks at broaderbroader to do itit if he livelive accordingaccording is oofficial,fficial, therefore,therefore, consiconsiderations,derations, thouthoughgh Miki Zohar partnerspartners with toto internationalinternational relatingrelating to thethe BennyBenny BeBegin?gin? dictates.dictates. WeWe must makemake sspokepoke ooff the matter Americans,Americans, otherother aass a politicalpolitical matter, it BennyBenny BeBegingin decisionsdecisions accordingaccording to countries,countries, the UN,UN, etc. defineddefined thethe lawlaw ofof ourour ownown needsneeds herehere in thethe is not sucsuch,h, butbut a matter It was NetanyahuNetanyahu who managedmanaged to ooff policypolicy as a result ooff this normalizationnormalization asas a StateState ofof Israel”.Israel”. bringbring the matter ofof sovereigntysovereignty forfor law to “steal lands”.lands”. Is there a chance that NetanyahuNetanyahu ccommitment.ommitment. negotiationnegotiation andand thethe matter was partpart I wwouldould like to dwelldwell fforor a momentmoment Elkin: “I“I think that BennyBenny BeginBegin was will gogo againstagainst policypolicy dictated byby ofof the TrumpTrump plan,plan, partpart ofof which I badlybadly mistreated.mistreated. BeginBegin is a personperson the U.S.?U.S.? on a kekeyy member of youryour party,party, diddid notnot likelike becausebecause it includesincludes thethe MK Yifat Shahsa Biton, whom we withwith thethe most right-wingright-wing positionspositions Zohar:Zohar: Netanyahu’sNetanyahu’s approachapproach is clear. componentcomponent ofof a Palestinian state, on tthehe politicalpolitical scene. He vehementlyvehemently He usuallyusually tries to maintain goodgood hhaveave not heard expressingexpressing herself whichwhich I opposeoppose vehementlyvehemently andand couldcould on issues concerninconcerningg the Land of opposesopposes a Palestinian state, he leftleft relations with the U.U.S.S. administration,administration, notnot susupportpport such a thing”.thing”. thethe NetanyahuNetanyahu governmentgovernment because butbut therethere are thingsthings thatthat hehe opposes,opposes, IsraeIsrael.l. AndAnd whatwhat will bebe thethe statusstatus ofof thethe Elkin: SheShe won’t objectobject because ofof the Hevron Accords,Accords, he demanded such as the matter of the Iranian Arabs’?Arabs’? to halt the OsloOslo Accords.Accords. He was the threat duringduring the ObamaObama era. wwee havehave a clearclear positionposition as a party.party. “They“They will live in a sort ofof autonomy,autonomy, TThehe head of the pparty,arty, Gideon Sa’ar, firstfirst to opposeoppose the buildingbuilding freezefreeze NetanyahuNetanyahu protectsprotects Israeli interests. likelike a municipalmunicipal authority,authority, similarsimilar to andand hehe openlyopenly opposedopposed thethe Prime RegardingRegarding sovereignty,sovereignty, thethe matter hhasas expressedexpressed thisthis opinionopinion clearly.clearly. a canton. TheyThey willwill never bebe ableable to WWee oopposeppose a PalestinianPalestinian state butbut Minister and was the firstfirst minister was not practicallypractically advancedadvanced becausebecause bebe considered a state. In a peacefulpeaceful toto sisigngn the letter ofof oppositionopposition we diddid not succeedsucceed in achievingachieving a uunfortunately,nfortunately, because ofof the Israeli situation, tthehe borderborder crossingscrossings willwill bebe commitment thethe questionquestion willwill not bebe toto this freeze. OnOn the subjectsubject of majoritymajority of 6161 mandates in favor openopen and theythey will close ifif there is a normalizationnormalization ooff the settlement,settlement, he of the mmoveove since we did nnotot have ppracticalractical forfor the next three years.years. terror situation. ControlControl of securitysecurity ThThee criticacriticall thingthing is to continue thethe is givengiven credit forfor perhapsperhaps the most a trutrulyly right-wingright-wing administration,administration, andand airsairspacepace will be in Israel’sIsrael’s hands. importantimportant achievementachievement in thethe matter, which I hohopepe we will have aafterfter the discourse ooff sovereigntysovereignty so that it will ThereThere willwill havehave toto bebe internationalinternational bbecomeecome a cconsensusonsensus witwithinhin thethe IsraeliIsraeli thethe rejectionrejection of the Talia SassonSasson nextnext elections”.elections”. supportsupport forfor such a plan.plan. report.report. He headed the committee ofof In ZoharZohar’s’s opinion,opinion, the new ppublicublic andand taketake practicalpractical stepssteps to AndAnd whatwhat is thethe Prime Minister’sMinister’s bbringring us ccloserloser to sovereignty.sovereignty. TheseThese ministersministers toto normalizenormalize thethe settlementsettlement administrationadministration in the U.S.U.S. will presentpresent opinionopinion of this plan?plan? andand hehe ledled toto thethe decisiondecision thatthat positionspositions didifferentfferent fromfrom those that wwouldould bebe stepssteps suchsuch as normalizingnormalizing I presentedpresented it to him.him. He diddid not tthehe youngyoung communities, wwhichhich we anythinganything thatthat was builtbuilt on state landslands we hadhad becomebecome accustomedaccustomed toto rejectreject it butbut saidsaid thatthat it requiresrequires shouldshould bebe normalized.normalized. ThisThis rescuedrescued duringduring thethe TrumpTrump term. Amroussi, susupportpport as a party,party, developmentdevelopment bothboth politicalpolitical andand internationalinternational ooff the settlement enterenterprise,prise, which 95 percentpercent of the houses that were in response,response, soughtsought to view feasibility.feasibility. As ofof now, we do not know markedmarked forfor demolition”.demolition”. Netanyahu’sNetanyahu’s term in office from appappearsears in the partyparty platformplatform and that this is feasible.feasible. This planplan will be its worworkk plan,plan, andand legallegal stepssteps to “It“It is true that there is a disagreementdisagreement the practicalpractical pointpoint of view of moremore relevant ifif and when the PA betweenbetween BennyBenny BeginBegin and myselfmyself establishingestablishing communities and nnormalizeormalize tthehe settsettlementlement enterenterprise.prise. collapses”.collapses”. WWillill the Atarot neineighborhoodghborhood in regardingregarding the need forfor reformsreforms in Continued on page 14 Political Journal / SOVEREIGNTY / 13

TheThe ppanelanel was moderatedmoderated by journalistjournalist EmilyEmily Amroussi andand consisted of a representativerepresentative from the Likud - CoalitionCoalition Head Member of Knesset Miki ZZoharohar, a representativerepresentative fromfrom New HoHopepe - formerformer ministerminister Ze’evZe’ev ElkinElkin, a representativerepresentative fromfrom Yamina - Member ooff Knesset Matan Kahana and a representativerepresentative ffromrom ReligiousReligious Zionism - Atty.Atty. SimhSimhaa RotmanRotman. journalist Emily Amroussi

YaminaYamina – MK Matan ppartyarty withwith right-wingright-wing values.values. ThereThere ReligiousReligious Zionism – justice,justice, security,security, education, welfare,welfare, is CoronaCorona nownow,, with thousands of etc.etc. KahanaKahana casuacasualtieslties andand we must taketake care Atty.Atty. Simcha RotmaRotmann BezalelBezalel SmSmotrichotrich hashas thethe Decisive ooff the lack ofof governancegovernance that Plan for the applicationapplication of affaffectsects everything.everything. We will fillfill our sovereigntysovereignty over the entire Member of Knesset Matan Kahana ggovernmentovernment witwithh peoplepeople whowho believebelieve Atty.Atty. SimhaSimha Rotman, representativerepresentative territory.territory. What would be the status ((Yamina)Yamina) presentedpresented the positionposition in ideoloideologicalgical right-wingright-wing foundationsfoundations ooff the ReliReligiousgious Zionism Party,Party, who of the Arabs in this outline?outline? ooff his partyparty in lilightght ofof the policypolicy aandnd we will take goodgood care also ofof is takintakingg his firstfirst stepssteps in politics,politics, is “It“It would be applyingapplying sovereigntysovereignty over ppromotedromoted bbyy the head ooff his party,party, CCoronaorona and governance”.governance”. aaskedsked aboutabout thethe polls,polls, whichwhich are not the entire territoryterritory ofof the Land ofof Israel Member ooff Knesset NaftaliNaftali Bennett,Bennett, NNaftaliaftali Bennett’sBennett’s StabilizationStabilization nnecessarilyecessarily encouragingencouraging to hishis new with the idea that we cannotcannot dodo halfhalf the which is that ““CoronaCorona is the onlonlyy thingthing Plan relates to sovereigntysovereignty in ppartyarty andand hehe responds:responds: jobjob andand postponepostpone thethe problemproblem more that is interestininteresting”.g”. Has sovereisovereigntygnty Area CC.. What about the rest of the ““AsAs we know, pollspolls are like perfumeperfume – andand more. WhenWhen youyou applyapply sovereigntysovereignty been pushedpushed to the side on his tterritory?erritory? thetheyy are forfor smelling,smelling, not forfor drinking.drinking. partially,partially, youyou create thethe incorrect andand pparty’sarty’s aagenda?genda? ““WeWe must beginbegin with Area C.C. We TThehe ReliReligiousgious Zionist partyparty cannot helphelp unjustifiedunjustified hopehope forfor a Palestinian state MK Kahana reminds us that “Na“Naftaliftali can tatalklk aboutabout greatergreater dreams,dreams, butbut bbutut passpass tthehe mandatemandate threshold.threshold. AllAll thethe andand thisthis is a greatgreat disaster.disaster. EveryEvery time a Bennett is tthehe one wwhoho broughtbrought thethe there was a Knesset with a significantsignificant ppollsolls are sspeculative,peculative, butbut thethe audienceaudience planplan arises that sspeakspeaks ofof sovereigntysovereignty totopicpic ooff sovereisovereigntygnty into the politicalpolitical mmajorityajority to applyapply sovereigntysovereignty in thethe ooff ReligiousReligious Zionism is lookinlookingg forfor over a certain place,place, immediatelyimmediately thethe discdiscourse.ourse. BefBeforeore ShakedShaked and JJordanordan ValleyValley andand thethe settlementsettlement a partyparty thatthat representsrepresents its valuesvalues questionquestion arises as to wwhathat happenshappens withwith Bennett went into politics,politics, evereveryoneyone bblocslocs – whywhy didn’tdidn’t it happen?happen? wwithoutithout loweringlowering anyany ofof them to halfhalf the rest ofof the placesplaces and the answer saisaidd tthathat ttherehere wouldwould bebe a PalestinianPalestinian EverEveryoneyone was in favorfavor and there was mmast,ast, or at all.all. ThisThis is whatwhat our partyparty is tthathat youyou givegive themthem a state minus or statestate.. Bennett came anandd a majority,majority, but Netanyahu,Netanyahu, as rerepresents,presents, settlement,settlement, as autonomyautonomy plus.plus. ByBy doingdoing this,this, we cchangedhanged tthehe entire usual,usual, stoppedstopped it. It wouldwould wwellell as tthehe justicejustice system,system, wouldwould bebe importingimporting more pparadigmaradigm and fromfrom havehave beenbeen possiblepossible aandnd sovereigntysovereignty as wellwell andand more securitysecurity andand a situatisituationon wwherehere ttoo do it. WeWe want aass the economeconomy,y, etc.”etc.” ddemographicemographic problems.problems. eeveryoneveryone was sursuree sovereisovereignty,gnty, firstfirst ““ThereThere are a lotlot of IIff we givegive them a state overover Area C and minusminus or autonomyautonomy tthathat ttherehere wouldwould issues ttoo addressaddress n bbee a PaPalestinianlestinian tthehe communities.communities. aandnd manymany issues plplus,us, how,how, exactly,exactly, oto: Yo photo: Dani Shem Yov It canncannotot bebe wouwouldld we stopstop state, susuddenly,ddenly, whwhereere ReligiousReligious photo: Yonatan Zindel flash90 it was cclearlear tthathat in orderorder ZZionismionism leads the the Arabs fromfrom ttoo aallll tthathat ttoo encloseenclose a wway.ay. Lately,Lately, we SySyriaria to Lebanon ttherehere wwouldould bebe ppergolaergola in EfratEfrat ddiscoverediscovered thethe oorr JordanJordan fromfrom sovereisovereignty.gnty. It or pavepave a roadroad aabilitybility ofof Bezalel enterinenteringg into thatthat was Bennett wwhoho fforor AsaelAsael,, we need SSmotrichmotrich as minister territorterritory?y? Would constantconstantlyly pulledpulled ppermitsermits fromfrom the ooff transportation,transportation, aanyonenyone telltell a state NNetanyahuetanyahu to the commandincommandingg general”.general”. bbutut beyondbeyond this,this, therethere mminusinus notnot toto letlet themthem RiRight,ght, untiluntil tthehe situation AnAndd whatwhat is thethe statusstatus aarere tasks in the areas of itit?”,?”, Rotman says.says. wwherehere even tthehe presidentpresident of the Arabs accordingaccording of the U.U.S.S. sspokepoke about sovereignty”.sovereignty”. ttoo youryour plan?plan? ““ItIt maymay be that when NetanyahuNetanyahu goesgoes ““TheThe Arabs who live in a placeplace where Co-chairs of the Sovereignty Movement- to ssleepleep at ninight,ght, hehe dreamsdreams riright-ght- ttherehere willwill bebe IsraeliIsraeli sovereigntysovereignty must winwingg dreams,dreams, butbut whenwhen hehe wakeswakes receive an Israeli identiidentificationfication card. Yehudit Katsover and Nadia Matar up in tthehe morninmorning,g, hehe behavesbehaves likelike a WWee canncannotot do otherwise.otherwise. It wouldwould ppersonerson ooff the LeLeft.ft. In evereveryy election, bbee a fewfew tens of thousandsthousands and the The co-chairwomen of the the correct path and values. In this hhee firstfirst fixesfixes himselhimselff a ccoalitionoalition with SStatetate of Israel will be able to copecope Sovereignty Movement, Yehudit panel and in general, the Sovereignty ppartiesarties of the Center-left,Center-left, whether with this. ReRegardinggarding the rest ofof the Katsover and Nadia Matar, the panel’s Movement is working to restore it was LivniLivni or BaraBarak,k, whetherwhether it was AraArabs,bs, thethe realityreality is thatthat thethe one whowho initiators and organizers, view its to the agenda the discussion to the LaLapid,pid, Bogey,Bogey, HerzogHerzog or BennyBenny Gantz, rerefusedfused them citizenshicitizenshipp is the KingKing importance as actually restoring the future of the Land of Israel, the future wwhenhen hehe kickedkicked us out.out. He doesdoes tthishis ooff Jordan and theythey must come to him ideological discourse on the matter of the settlement enterprise and the so tthathat hehe willwill not bebe pressuredpressured into witwithh complaints.complaints. WeWe are againstagainst a of the Land of Israel and sovereignty vision of sovereignty. imimplementingplementing right-wingright-wing policies”.policies”. PaPalestinianlestinian state, whichwhich wouldwould bringbring a to the forefront, in Katsover and Matar call ““AndAnd who will youyou gogo with? You ddisasterisaster uponupon Israel.Israel. WhatWhat happenedhappened preparation for the on the Israeli public “to are ververyy careful and it’s impossibleimpossible in Gaza would hahappenppen in the heart of elections. The present demand answers from to know whether youyou will gogo with the State of IsraelIsrael,, over Gush Dan and elections are the elected officials LaLapid,pid, or with MeretMeretzz… Ben Gurion AirAirport”.port”. turbulent, and not and emissaries in ““WeWe have to judgejudge peoplepeople byby always for the the arenas of their actions. BennettBennett,, as DefenseDefense right reasons. politics and Minister, mademade it possiblepossible to establishestablish Slander, policy in these a neighborhoodneighborhood in Hevron, mademade boycotts, important it possiblepossible to exexpandpand Efrat,Efrat, made mutual and critical it possiblepossible to make the CaveCave of the accusations matters and PatriarcPatriarchshs accessibleaccessible to thethe disabled,disabled, take up too much accordingly, to etc. Thanks to AyeletAyelet Shaked,Shaked, there space and push help make the was a market reregulationgulation made forfor to the side urgent right decision at the the fledglingfledgling settlement. We are a To watch the entire broadcast matters of essence, ballot box”. 14 / SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal

Continued from page 6 Anyone who says that he will Apply Sovereignty Right After the Elections is Not Telling the” “Truth the Israeli government and the Civil Administration Without the vigorous work of Benny Begin in this Minister. Benny Begin was the first minister, and in his turn a blind eye. This too is a lack of governability area, hundreds, if not thousands, of houses would be wake others joined and the step was thwarted.” and a lack of sovereignty. Of course, we will also facing an immediate threat of evacuation. You mention Netanyahu’s failure of leadership regulate the young settlement enterprise. I worked Regarding Benny Begin’s fundamental positions, in the context of sovereignty, but perhaps with Netanyahu to void the false Talia Sasson do you not find them somewhat problematic? there is something that you discover when report through establishment of the Edmund “Regarding the issue of the legal system, Benny you reach Balfour? Perhaps you are exposed Levi Commission. In 2013, I met with the mayors Begin’s positions differ from the positions of the rest to international pressure, perhaps there are and central officials in Judea and Samaria and we of the members of the list; however, the position of considerations of national unity. Perhaps also demanded implementations of the findings of the Levi ‘New Hope,’ and certainly, my position and Sa’ar’s Gideon Sa’ar, if he gets there, will discover report. To this day, the practical section of the report position is that a substantive, far-reaching reform is these matters and will act in precisely the same has not been implemented. That, our government, required for the legal system. That is the position that manner. will certainly do.” counts.” I know Sa’ar for 35 years, when he was chairman You mention Benny Begin and his loyalty to the Since this is not a trivial issue, don’t you of HaTehiya Youth. Since then, he has been in the Land of Israel. However, we remember his position anticipate a future rift in the party on this basis? corridors of power. It was he who, as minister of regarding the Judea and Samaria Settlement “It is important to also remember his merits. Benny Education determined that Israeli children would Regulation Law, which he characterized as a land Begin was the only minister in the Netanyahu visit the Cave of Machpela, despite massive media grab. With an approach like that, is it possible to government who resigned in the wake of the Hebron opposition. Sa’ar’s advantage over other candidates promote sovereignty? agreement after several months as Science Minister. I is that he has an ideological spine made of steel. Just “I would like to remind you that Benny Begin is the will also remind you that in 2013, Netanyahu returned as in the case of the disengagement, despite his close man who was the chairman of the committee that from a meeting in New York with Secretary of State relationship with Ariel Sharon, in all votes, he voted adopted the resolution, that today seems obvious, Hillary Clinton, where he promised her to renew the against. He will conduct himself the same way as which established that from that moment on, the building freeze. Benny Begin was the first minister Prime Minister. Those of us who were born and raised policy of the State Attorney in its responses to to raise the banner of revolt and sign a document in HaTehiya never believed in the concept of things the High Court of Justice will be that any building opposing it, contrary to other ministers who said that you see from there you do not see from here.” constructed on state lands would be regulated. ministers do not sign a document against the Prime

Continued from page 10 Continued from page 12 Avigdor Lieberman’s Canton Plan New Hope – Former Minister Zeev Elkin

the justice system. This is Photo: office of the MK a deep and long-lasting disagreement. A large and broad-based party can have differences of opinion, like the differences between me and Yifat Shasha-Biton, but it is very difficult to be to the right of Benny Begin”. On the ability to act for the sake of the Land of Israel during the Biden era, Elkin says: “We can expect some hard times in this matter. It will be a term to protect the achievement of the settlement and not only advancement. To do this, we will need people who have proven themselves MK Avigdor Lieberman , former minister of Defense, with MK Yevgeni Soba as those who can stand up to pressures and we need the Jordan Valley. Our platform is quite simple: We are in favor Further to the description of Lieberman’s canton plan, we tried a leader with a backbone. of expanding settlement, in favor of reaching agreements that to understand what the future holds for Jewish settlement, for Sa’ar has proven that he is don’t involve evacuating settlements or handing over pieces of those communities located outside the settlement blocs and such a person. During the the land of Israel. We’re pragmatic and we don’t think we should in the Jordan Valley, according to his plan. Soba repeatedly Disengagement, Sa’ar was give up what we hold in our hands.” underscores that he is opposed to the eviction of even a single the head of the coalition, so it was very difficult to openly When we ask him to sketch out the contours of his party’s Israeli from Judea and Samaria, and we ask if that means leaving oppose the Prime Minister long-term political vision, Soba explains: “When Lieberman Jewish communities under Palestinian responsibility. Soba but he opposed Arik Sharon talks about the conflict and resolving it, he’s talking about it from immediately rejects that possibility out of hand: in this test and voted the moment there is someone on the other side to talk to. At the “Of course not. No Israeli citizen should be abandoned. It’s consistently against the moment, we don’t see any leadership on the other side that we delusional to think that we would allow the Palestinians to control Disengagement plan, which can talk to. Avigdor Lieberman doesn’t talk about a Palestinian our citizens. That would be completely irresponsible.” other minsters did not do, state, but rather about a system of cantons, similar to that of So what then? including Netanyahu, who Switzerland. If, for example, there is local leadership in Hebron “I can’t speak now about a hypothetical situation. I’m talking did not stand up to Sharon’s that wants to foster good relations with Israel, that doesn’t about ensuring security, expanding settlement, making sure that pressure. The list that support terrorism, etc., we can talk with them about establishing the parameters of life are the same for all Israeli citizens, and Gideon has formed proves cantons and cooperation in various non-military areas such as if a time comes when tough decisions have to be made, we will that he does not intend to always side with the residents of Judea and Samaria.” make concessions to the water, electricity and the like. American administration”. Political Journal / SOVEREIGNTY / 15

Continued from page 11 Continued from page 11 7KH6LOHQW2EVWDFOH)DFLQJ 7KH0RVW6LJQL¿FDQW'HFLVLRQV:HUH0DGH Sovereignty Legislation Contrary to the Position of the United States not his and preventing government actions for establishment of a Palestinian state, was a blueprint that government was afraid to be daring,” Dagan asserts. various pretexts, and a law that will empower had to be rejected. At the same time, he relates: “I was He is convinced that Netanyahu had the ability to the Ombudsman of State Representatives in the with Netanyahu in the White House, and we reached apply sovereignty without recognizing a Palestinian Court, expanding positions of trust for senior agreement on these matters. There was not supposed state. “I say again, the ball has always been only in government officials. All these laws were intended to be any difference between the settlement blocs and Jerusalem’s court. The role of the Prime Minister is to to enable the people to determine their own fate, the communities located outside those blocs. Netanyahu navigate the interests of the State of Israel with the so that the people will be sovereign over their did not speak of a Palestinian state. When Jared Kushner American interests, to distinguish between primary lives, and fifteen judges or a single person on pulled the rug out from under him and announced that and secondary issues, and to do what is best for the Saladin Street will not determine our fate and our there is no sovereignty, I said to Netanyahu, you must State of Israel. It is clear to all that if Israel will not be future.” inform him that, with all due respect, it is you who in Judea and Samaria, that is a greater threat than the “Sovereignty in Haifa and Jerusalem is also in decides. What will happen? Will Trump send the marines balance of terror with the Iranians. The Jewish people’s doubt because an oligarchy of just a few people to the Haifa port and conquer the city? He knows that grasp of Judea and Samaria and sovereignty in Judea determines our lives. The sovereignty of us his electoral base is Evangelist and loves Israel.” and Samaria are the building blocks of the future of all is extremely dubious in recent years and it “Now, half a year has passed, of inactivity, of stories, the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Therefore is deteriorating. That is the general situation spins, and excuses, and much to our chagrin, after the demand for sovereignty continues in full force. regarding the entire country. Specifically Biden’s inauguration, no one remembers who is Most of the people anticipate it. It will be complicated, regarding Judea and Samaria, until the political Kushner. However, we missed the opportunity for but with Trump, too, the same people said that it was decision of sovereignty that will be, I hope, sovereignty. That happened because the Israeli complicated and dangerous.” soon, there is room to take several actions that were raised in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. That is, the need to register lands, to complete the initiative of the late Plia Albeck, unfortunately, for the time being, only in Area Home C, approximately three million dunams whose Each week, activists from all over the country gather for a vigil against registration must be completed in addition to the Israel’s impotence and utter defeat of sovereignty in failing to bring our boys lands that have already been declared so they home from Hamas captivity to a Jewish grave. l can undergo a process of registration.” OronOrOrooon ShoulSh The government’s decision to continue to allow humanitarian aid to flow into aarr GoldinGGooldin Halevi also notes additional legislation that the Gaza Strip, cement, electricity or water, vaccines or toys, cries out to the HadarHadad many right-wing members of Knesset are heavens. On Friday, February 4, the 146th week of the vigil, Hadar’s mother, discussing, although, to this point, nothing Dr. Leah Goldin, read this poem by poet Hamutal Ben Ze’ev, “Home.” substantive has been done to promote it, and that is transferring the authority of the Civil Every man comes home Every man comes home Administration to the relevant government Every woman comes home Every woman comes home ministries. “The situation in which one half million With them they retrun 7KLQNDERXWZKDW\RX¶YHGRQHWRGD\ citizens are subordinate to the Civil Administration A uniform and beret 7RIXO¿OO/HDKDQG6LPFKD¶VGUHDP and they, in contrast to the rest of the citizens, are the only ones under military occupation, is 'LဧDQWIURPFRQWURYHUV\ 7R¿QDOO\OD\WRUHဧWKHLUVRQ+DGDU an impossible situation. It is possible to dissolve ,QVLဧLQJRQKHDYHQ¶VPHUF\ ,QD-HZLVKJUDYH the Civil Administration and render it subordinate They confront the pain +HIHOOVDQFWLI\LQJ*RG¶VQDPH to the various government ministries, from the 6HHNLQJWRWRXFKKHDUWVKXPDQH 'HIHQGLQJWKHKRPHODQG budgetary aspect, the administrative aspect, as (QDFWLQJWKHQLJKWPDUH well as in terms of the decision-making aspect of The compassionate Jewish soul (YHU\PRWKHU¶VJUHDWHဧIHDU the various ministries.” The human, the personal Since his party, the Likud, has been at the $-HZLVKPRWKHU¶VKHDUW To come home, he prayed, come home helm of government for more than a few $OZD\V¿OOHGZLWKWKDQNV Return to your land years, one cannot avoid the simple question: To your mother and father Why have steps aimed at reforming the legal To the Creator of the world Who dream of your return system not been taken during all those years For the warm bond and connection of Likud rule? As we remember, Netanyahu even 7KHLQVLJKWDQGSHUFHSWLRQ +HOSXVLQWKLV¿JKW boasted about his stance in defense of the legal 7KHZLVGRPDQGXQGHUဧDQGLQJ 6RMXဧL¿HGDQGULJKW system against changes that others sought to 5DLVH\RXUYRLFHLQDSUD\HUIRU/HDK promote. It seems that until the matter affected We have the power $V5DFKHODQG/HDKSUD\HGIRUKHU him personally, the matters were not on the We do not falter agenda. We will return the boys +RPHWRHYHU\WKLQJKRPHUHSUHVHQWV Halevi does not deny the criticism and answers :H¶YHZDLWHGORQJHQRXJK Return to Eretz Israel honestly. “Regarding the legal system, the Likud Home to return the boys is not free of criticism in this regard. More could :HFDQQRORQJHUUHPDLQVLOHQW After six and a half years have been done. From Menachem Begin until We wish to scream and shout today, all the parties of the national camp did not Where are they? Why are they there? Home to virtues and values have a profound understanding of the revolution 7KHSHRSOHRI,VUDHOKDYHQRWIRUJRWWHQWKHP To better, tranquil days that was undertaken here by Aharon Barak when Home to return brothers he semi-clandestinely passed these laws.” Come home children To the families whom we comfort and console According to Halevi’s assessment: “Today we Come to the values of Jewish brotherhood are more resolute and have a more profound Come home to your land We will return home in peace understanding of the intensity of the dictatorial $QGPD\\RX¿QGDSHDFHIXOHPEUDFHZLWKLQLW And return the boys discourse that is permeating here through all Because the time has come. these enlightened concepts. They are robbing Those who took your life the genuine freedom, enlightenment, and Hold you now in captivity liberalism from the people, and are determining $ORQJZLWKWKHIDPLOLHV its standards for it. Therefore, today, there is That seek to heal the wounds a very large group of people in the Likud who are determined to restore Israel to the 1992 0D\ZHKDYHWKHဧUHQJWK boundaries in terms of government, and to 6LဧHUVLQKHDUWDQGVRXO place a barrier between the legal system and the 7RJLYHဧUHQJWKWRWKHIDPLOLHV elected officials.” $QGKRPHWRDQDFKLQJKHDUW Idit Silman, Yehudit and Tsvi Katsover at the 146th week of the vigil 16 / SOVEREIGNTY / Political Journal בס“ד Sovereignty Youth More Active Than Ever Despite the limitations of the Corona the movement is operating at full force

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