RJC Statement on Israel’s Application of Sovereignty in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley
Washington, DC – The Republican Jewish Coalition released a statement today responding to media reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to bring to a cabinet vote on July 1 the question of extending Israeli sovereignty over parts of Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley (the West Bank).
RJC National Chairman Senator Norm Coleman said:
The government of Israel is now planning to take steps, as put forth by President Donald Trump’s “peace to prosperity” plan, to extend Israeli sovereignty in parts of Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley. It has long been understood that the areas under consideration would become part of Israel under a negotiated peace settlement. Tragically, such a settlement has been impossible because the Palestinian leadership has never given up their goal of destroying Israel. A full 53 years after the 1967 war, it is time for Israelis in the Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley to have the same full rights and status as their fellow citizens in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
President Trump’s historic “peace to prosperity” plan offers a realistic and implementable opportunity for solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It provides a framework for creating economic opportunity and greater freedom for the Palestinian people, and for ensuring the security of Israel.
We support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to extend Israeli sovereignty over areas in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley. These efforts represent the first steps in a process that can include negotiations, working with moderate Arab states in the region, and working with the US and other Western allies to bring a stable, lasting peace to Israelis and Palestinians.
Republicans are strong and vocal supporters of our cherished ally Israel and they respect the sovereignty of the State of Israel. The RJC is grateful for their words and their actions. We will be making a major lobbying effort to encourage Republicans in the Senate and House to express their support for the government of Israel and to support Israel’s extending sovereignty over parts of Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley in order to promote the security of its citizens and the stability of the region.