July 1 is just a start date • It has not yet been decided which areas will be included in the sovereignty • In the past, support was granted during, now - "It can wait" • The debate on the issue could threaten government stability • Applying sovereignty: Questions and Answers

The issue of applying sovereignty leaves many people with open-ended questions on the issue. "Israel Today" makes an order with answers to the hottest topic on the agenda.

PM Netanyahu's Statement Before Meeting with US Envoy Brian Hawk // Photo: Ziv Sokolov / US Embassy in Jerusalem

what's happening today?

July 1 is a start date, not a final one. According to the Likud coalition agreement with its partners, Netanyahu may, from today, bring the move to the government or the Knesset. That is, even if there is no change today - anyway, given the political complexity in Israel and international criticism, both the Americans and Netanyahu see July-August as a window of time for the move. So today, at most, there will be a statement or statement, but not a government decision or a law of the Knesset. 

What areas were mentioned as potential sites for sovereignty?

Lots of sovereignty issues rise and fall in discussions. In the Jordan Valley, the large settlement blocks that include Ariel, Ma'ale Adumim and Gush Etzion, the area surrounding Jerusalem or perhaps localities in the depths of the territory, such as Beit El and Sheila. The scope of annexation is also discussed - is 30 percent of the YSC as it was initially, or only a few percent? No decision has yet been made. 

Why are there two positions on the right about the program?

 That is to bring about the establishment of a Palestinian state. They are not convinced by the very rigid conditions set out in the plan, such as the obligation to freeze Gaza or the cessation of terrorist salaries. On the other hand, right-wing leaders who support the program believe that fears have no basis and that Trump's vision benefits far outweigh its shortcomings. 

What is Netanyahu's position?

Netanyahu has played a big part in designing the program, and he strongly supports it. In closed talks, he is still talking about his strong desire to apply sovereignty, but he has not yet cast all his weight on the campaign, which is to call Trump. 

What is Gantz's position?

Gantz flipped over. On his visit to the Jordan Valley before the first election, he pledged to "work for sovereignty." When he met with Trump in January, and many times later, he praised the Trump program and said he was committed to it. The other day, in the presence of White House courier Avi Berkowitz, Gantz changed his stance, saying that "what is unrelated to the fight against Corona will be waiting," that is, sovereignty goes down the agenda for him. 

Netanyahu: "In a few months we can exercise sovereignty" // Photo: GPO

What options do the Palestinians have?

They can always talk to Israel, and it will be the most successful and effective way of killing annexation. But, according to the well-known phrase, "Palestinians have never missed an opportunity," they refuse to do so. It should also be said that according to the Trump plan, there are prerequisites that must be fulfilled for negotiations to begin - but it is hard to believe that they will want to fulfill them. 

What is the position of the Arab states?

Jordan is the only Arab country that is genuinely troubled by sovereignty. The king is worried about the riots in Judea and Samaria to undermine Jordan and undermine his chair. 

Can the international community "charge" from Israel?

Yes, but not high. Most of the damage is expected from Western European countries, who are furious about the move. Unity will probably recognize a Palestinian state, and the EU is expected to reduce development and research budgets it is transferring to Israel. Obviously, we will also be subject to condemnation, and many years ahead "Enlightened Europe" will condemn sovereignty as it condemns construction in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria.

What is the beat program?

Against the backdrop of the blue-and-white reservations, and probably the White House, Netanyahu thought to split the move into two parts. In the first stage, a small area of ​​individual percentages will be annexed. If and when regional and international responses are tolerated, and if Trump is re-elected in the fall, sovereignty can be applied to the remainder of the territory, as initially planned. 

Could a discussion of the program undermine government stability?

Definitely. From the very first, Gantz spoke of minimal sovereignty and international coordination, while Netanyahu wanted the big move regardless of the world. Now that Gantz wants to postpone the move to "After the Corona," the controversy is another source of shock to a unity government that doesn't stop a fight.

So will there be sovereignty?

It all depends on Israel.