In the shadow of Netanyahu's statements and exchange with Blue and White Chairman on annexation of the Baka, the party launches the official campaign • At the same time, despite criticism from various sources, Knesset Speaker Edelstein is expected to take part in the event • Join the broadcast

• Netanyahu. Likud launches election campaign // Photo Archive: Tzachi Miriam

Elections 2020: In light of Tuesday's exchange between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz regarding the annexation of the valley, the Likud party is officially launching its election campaign tonight. The event is taking place in the nation's buildings in Jerusalem and during which the prime minister is expected to speak.

Despite criticism from various parties in the party regarding his stance on Netanyahu's immunity hearings, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein is expected to take part in the event.

Photo: Moshe Ben Simhon

As we recall, during the day, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Blue-White Chairman Benny Gantz exchanged allegations regarding the issue of annexation of the valley.
In the afternoon, Netanyahu told Gantz: "I will put you to this test very soon," after the latter said he would work to apply sovereignty in the valley.

In a tweet on his Twitter account, Netanyahu said: "Gantz, I'm glad you finally decided to support my initiative to apply Israeli law on the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. I look forward to your full support of you and the Blue and White during this history. I will test you very soon."
Earlier today, Netanyahu said: "Why wait for the elections if sovereignty can be applied to the Jordan Valley right now, with broad agreement in the Knesset?" Gantz replied, saying: "We will discuss immunity first, then we will govern the application of sovereignty."

On a visit to the Valley, the Blue and White Chairman said today: "This is our second, perhaps the third, visit to the Jordan Valley, and we reiterate that the Jordan Valley is the State of Israel's eastern defenses in any future scenario," Gantz stated. Serious security strategic error. We see this region as an integral part of the State of Israel. "

Gantz added: "After the elections, we will work to apply sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, we will do so during an agreed national and in coordination with the international community. Until then, we will make sure to develop this space."