Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on worked hard on Sunday, 24 Teves, to persuade the Bayit Yehudi party not to insist in discussing annexing Maale Adumim as planned. PM Netanyahu explained to Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennet that such a move should be made after notifying the United States rather than surprising President Trump with new realities in the region shortly after assuming office.

Netanyahu has opposed all calls from Bayit Yehudi since Trumps success in the presidential elections to make any significant changes, explaining this is not how such matters are handled and Israel must permit the new administration to take office and then develop a working relationship. Bennett and his colleagues immediately following the presidential election called to resume construction in yishuvim and to annex Maale Adumim.

Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel spoke with Kol Berama Radio on Monday morning 25 Teves, defending his party’s position. He stated the bottom line is “it is ours and we have to get used to saying this and we do not need anyone’s permission to act”.

He stressed Israel is a sovereign nation and as such, Jerusalem is not required to ask or seek permission from anyone prior to acting.

MK (Kulanu) Michael Oren, a former Israeli Ambassador to Washington, told Reshet Bet Radio on Monday that he agrees – stating PM Netanyahu’s approach is the correct one.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)