Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday took part in a tree planting ceremony in Kibbutz Kfar Etzion in Gush Etzion ahead of Tu B’Shvat. Seeking to make points amid his 10-month building freeze, Mr. Netanyahu stated his appearance was just the beginning, explaining he plans to take part in similar ceremonies in Ariel and Maale Adumim, both areas viewed as the “occupied West Bank” by the American government and international community.

It was the residents of Kfar Etzion who last year sent a letter to the Prime Minister, seeking a special dispensation due to the national consensus regarding badly-needed construction in the community due to the housing shortage.

The prime minister stated that as was the custom, planting continues from Rosh Chodesh until 15 Shvat, stressing “the message is clear and the Jewish People are here and will remain, today and forever”. He stressed there is a national consensus regarding the area, and the planting of trees strengthened the determination to continue living in this area.

The ceremony followed a lengthy meeting with US special envoy George Mitchell, who continues seeking to pressure Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) to return to the negotiating table.

Following the meeting, the prime minister used the forum of the weekly cabinet meeting to announce he remains committed to settlement blocs throughout Yehuda and Shomron, with the hidden message being he plans to remove many/ most yishuvim and only permit a number of large blocs to remain in a final status agreement with the PA.

Some members of the right-wing camp are already warning that despite his oratory skills and keen public statements, the prime minister has already promised the White House regarding major land concessions to the PA (Palestinian Authority) in a final status deal, including portions of Yerushalayim which the PA views will serve as the capital of its new state.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)