Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday explained he is coordinating with the US administration and this is the reason he wishes to delay moving ahead with the Greater Jerusalem Bill, which would annex Maale Adumim, Gush Etzion, Givat Ze’ev, Efrat and Betar Illit to the capital. He explains while there would be a delay, the benefits outweigh the delay since there has been cooperation to date and he wishes to continue working with the Americans rather that announced a unilateral move of this proportion.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz on Sunday morning insisted the bill would be raised later in the day in the Law Committee, adding the agenda of this bill is far greater than any party or political agenda, a bill that will continue to guarantee the Jewish majority in the capital as well as strengthening Israel’s sovereignty over the capital. Katz is unwilling to delay the bill for the sake of appearing the Americans.

Explaining his office has been in touch with the US administration, PM Netanyahu is quoted by Haaretz saying, “The Americans turned to us and inquired what the bill was about. As we have been coordinating with them until now, it is worth talking and coordinating with them. We are working to promote and develop the settlement enterprise.”

The bill was set for a vote in the Ministerial Law Committee on Sunday, but now appears this will not occur as it has already been postponed from the agenda.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)