Ahead of the “Negev Summit,” Prime Minister Bennett met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem this afternoon (Sunday). Bennett thanked Blinken for his important visit to the region, as well as for the US administration’s support for Israel and its commitment to its security. During the discussion, Bennett used a term that caused a stir.
“This government is working hard to improve the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.”
Bennett said that “this week will be the month of Ramadan. This government is working hard to improve the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Just today we approved 20,000 workers from Gaza to work in Israel. We will invest almost NIS 40 million in improving crossings between Israel and Gaza to allow smooth movement. Everything, however, can improve the lives of the people on the ground, and thanks to your help, this is happening. “
West Bank This is a nickname that emphasizes Judea and Samaria as the West Bank of the Jordan River, and this nickname is used by left-wing and international political figures to describe the region. The Begin government decided that the area would be called Judea and Samaria, and in his statement Bennett appealed the decision. As mentioned, Bennett himself was the head of the Yesha Council, which raised questions among media people and surfers.
“Adopting the Palestinian narrative”
Yigal Dilmoni, director general of the Yesha Council, responded to Bennett’s remarks that he called Judea and Samaria “the West Bank”: “Such an expression is another devaluation of the government. It is in addition to freezing construction and turning its back on settlement. Such a government should go home.”
The head of the Beit El Council, Shai Alon, also commented: “The prime minister’s statement about Judea and Samaria proves how dangerous the situation is for settlement. Bennett has already disengaged from Judea and Samaria, he should be prevented from carrying out the disengagement on the ground. “The construction freeze that followed the protest of the heads of the councils in Judea and Samaria today is just the tip of the iceberg. Bennett is dangerous for Israel. The government headed by him must be overthrown.”
Garden of Jewish Power MK MK Itamar Ben Gvir responded: “It is unbelievable that former Yesha Council director and current Prime Minister Naftali Bennett adopts the Palestinian narrative that believes in” occupation. ” “This is another step on the way to the left-wing government after promising ten degrees to the right.”