While Israel may be America’s staunchest ally in the Mideast and the only democracy in this region of the world; it appears it is the only country that must constantly legislate laws to fight off American pressure to give areas of the country away. America seems to feel it has the right and possibly the obligation to dictate the Jewish country’s borders and sadly, the leaders of the country stand in line obediently to comply as they have grown all too accustomed to living high off of Washington’s checkbook. For the secular leadership of the State of Israel it is more than the money however, it is the lack of emunah in HKBH and the mistaken belief that Washington’s grace is what keeps the State of Israel going that compels almost blind adherence to the White House’s will.

Defying this concept were members of the Ministerial Law Committee, who on Sunday passed a bill presented by Likud MK Miri Regev, a bill that would annex the Jordan Valley. The move comes before the arrival of US Secretary of State John Kerry, President Barak Obama’s henchman, who feels he has the right to tell Israel to give this area of Eretz Yisrael over the PA (Palestinian Authority) terrorist entity. It would appear that the US administration is so impressed with PA compliance with the Oslo Agreement over the past two decades that it sees a need to continue handing more pieces of Israel over to leaders in Ramallah. The Expulsion of Jews from Gaza to permit Hamas autonomous rule in Gaza has been such a budding success that the White House wishes to see more.

The vote was approved by all eight committee members affiliated with Likud, Bayit Yehudi and Yisrael Beitenu. The three committee members affiliated with Yesh Atid and The Movement voted against the bill, realizing it will torpedo The Movement leader Justice Minister Tzipi Livni’s ongoing efforts to make as many concessions to the PA as possible. Livni heads the Israeli delegation in ongoing negotiations with the PA.

Interior Minister (Likud) Gideon Saar explained most of the nation is in agreement, that all communities in the Jordan Valley must remain under Israeli sovereignty in any agreement with the PA and the timing of the vote is excellent as residents of that area need a chizuk. Housing Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel added the vote is critical for the Jordan Valley is essential to Israel’s future security. Sadly, even the religious committee members such as Ariel did not feel a need to site they support the bill because the Jordan Valley is a portion of Eretz Yisrael, and in essence, this is the basis to our claim of any portions of the Holy Land.

Science Minister (Yesh Atid) Yaakov Peri, known for his extreme left-wing views, slammed the vote just 48 hours prior to Kerry’s arrival. He called the vote “a provocation”. Minister of the Environment (The Movement) Amir Peretz concurred, warning the vote will result in further compromising Israel’s position in the international community.

As expected, Minister Livni and Finance Minister (Yesh Atid) Yair Lapid appealed the vote and now, it remains in the hands of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to decide. For now, Mr. Netanyahu is unwilling to address the vote but perhaps knowing that most ministers voted for it may provide him with the backing to stand firm against mounting US pressure.

B”H that despite Israel’s willingness to give away portions of Eretz Yisrael, the PA remains firm in its rejection of any and all offers on the table. Kerry.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)