A group of well-known members of the Judea and Samaria settler community thanked the Trump administration's "unprecedented support for Israel," rejecting the claim that US president's friendship towards the Jewish state should be questioned.
Earlier this week Israeli settler leaders, including the umbrella group Yesha Council, voiced concern that President Donald Trump's peace plan, despite its call for applying Israeli sovereignty over extensive parts of Judea and Samaria, would also entail Palestinian statehood and leave some settlements isolated within Palestinian-ruled territory. One settler leader even said that Trump may not be a friend of Israel.
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But Thursday's letter set a different tone.
"Leading Judea and Samaria activists oppose Yesha Council Statement berating US President the signatories," it read right on top. "Israel has never had as good of a friend in the White House as President Trump, and his friendship in diplomatic circles, security and legal issues is unprecedented. President Trump has withdrawn from the Iran deal, moved the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem our capital, and recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
"We have the privilege and responsibility to represent those of our nation who live in the Israeli heartland. We embrace Secretary [Mike] Pompeo's clarification on America's policy regarding the Israeli nation's right to live in this land. We carefully studied President Trump's peace plan and are thankful that it supports Israel's right to extend sovereignty to Judea and Samaria."
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The statement continued: "President Trump's vision for peace recognizes the undeniable truth that Israel has legitimate and rightful claims to Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley. While we share concerns over the details of the plan and how it will affect our day to day lives, we are cautiously optimistic about the application of sovereignty. We look forward to seeing the final plan and will express our thoughts in a constructive way at that time.
"We remain grateful to President Trump, Vice President Pence, Secretary Pompeo, White House Special Adviser Jared Kushner, US Ambassador Friedman and the entire Administration for their efforts to bring peace and security to our region."
