In a festive interview with "Israel Today" to mark two years of moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, the US ambassador to Israel clarifies: We are preparing for the possibility of recognition of Israeli sovereignty within weeks • The full interview - in the Friday issue of the "Israel Week" supplement
If the Israeli government declares this, the US is ready to recognize the Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and Israeli settlement in Judea and Samaria in the coming weeks - according to an interview with US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and published on Friday in Israel this week, marking two years for the embassy transfer American to Jerusalem.
Photo: Moshe Ben Simhon
Friedman explains that there are some processes that need to be completed, which are mainly dependent on Israel, but make clear that there will be no new conditions on the part of the US. Negotiating with the Palestinians on the basis of the Trump plan - and he agreed to it on day one - will recognize Israel's sovereignty in areas that will become part of the plan, "the ambassador says.
He emphasizes that" the most important element is that the Israeli government should declare sovereignty. We are not declaring sovereignty but Israel, and then we are ready to recognize it. But, as the Secretary of State said, this is an Israeli decision in the first place (whether to declare sovereignty), so you have to be the first. "
And beyond the three components you mentioned, will there be no additional conditions or measures?
"
Is there a new condition of an Israeli commitment to agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state?
"On this issue, the condition is that the prime minister - and not anyone specific but every prime minister of Israel - will agree to negotiate with the Palestinians, invite them to meetings and discuss them openly and openly for four years."
He actually did so on the day of the show.
"And he should continue to do so. Currently, the Palestinians do not want to come to the table. If in two years they change their mind and agree, the prime minister will be obliged to hold the discussions. It is a definite period of time, and we want the option to remain on the table for four years."
Regarding the construction freeze in the isolated communities, the ambassador explained that it was only about preventing the expansion of the area, but not stopping the construction to height. "The absolute majority of the settlement, some 400,000 people, will live by the same rules (building rules, etc.) that exist within the Green Line. About 10,000 to 15,000 of those who are under Israeli sovereignty will be unable to expand. However, it will be possible to expand upstairs, ”Friedman said.
"The plan is good for Israel"
The ambassador added that places like Bethel and Hebron are the historical heart of Judea and Samaria, and leftists in Israel also do not want to give them up under a peace agreement. "From conversations with Israelis of all levels, I learned that they think this is the best plan for Israel. If I didn't hear it, I wouldn't be calm myself. It's clear to us that just as we, the Americans, will never give up the Statue of Liberty, even though it's a very small area, so you You won't agree to give up these places. "
The full interview will be published on Friday in "Israel Today" Supplement
