WhatsappPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a historic roof agreement in Ma’ale Adumim today (Thursday) with Mayor Guy Yifrach and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, but again avoided declaring sovereignty, despite high expectations. The prime minister’s unusual arrival at the ceremony, which usually takes place only in the presence of the housing minister, raised hopes among many that he would use the stage to make a significant political statement.
But beyond the planning and demographic importance of the event, all eyes are on Netanyahu in eager anticipation of one and only question: Will he declare the application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria in the heart of this event? During the event, loud chants of “Sovereignty, sovereignty!” were heard from the audience. Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to the chants with one word – “I heard,” but avoided addressing the issue directly in his speech.
Instead, Netanyahu chose to focus on the strategic importance of settlements. He emphasized the role of the Jordan Valley, which he called “the northern defensive wall of the state,” and spoke of the necessity of preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu’s avoidance of the word “sovereignty” caused great disappointment among the right-wing figures and settlement leaders present. The prevailing assessment is that if he had intended to raise the issue for a government decision at its upcoming meeting on Sunday, he would have chosen to announce it on this festive occasion. His avoidance of a clear statement is seen as a clear sign that the application of sovereignty is not on the government’s agenda for the foreseeable future.
