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Netanyahu says partial deal off the table, eyes Hamas' toppling

ErezL — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 22:07:38 +0000

The Diplomatic-Security Cabinet discussion stretched overnight Sunday until almost 2:00 a.m. Monday morning, lasting nearly six hours. During the meeting, as reported in Israel Hayom, ministers were presented with detailed war plans for Gaza. Throughout the discussion, National-Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asked "to vote against a partial deal," and the prime minister stated that such a vote was unnecessary because "a partial deal is not on the table," adding that Hamas must be annihilated.

During the cabinet meeting, the plans for conquering Gaza City were shown to the ministers, and according to sources present, modifications were made based on demands raised in prior meetings. The cabinet did not deliberate on a hostage return agreement Sunday since no progress has been made toward one, while preparations for the military operation in the field are being finalized. Nevertheless, ministers sensed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conclusively decided to move away from the framework for a partial deal, echoing the demand made by Minister Bezalel Smotrich several weeks ago.

IDF Chiefof Staff Eyal Zamir (background: Gaza Strip) / AFP, IDF Spokesperson's Unit

A conciliatory atmosphere was present in the cabinet on Sunday, and even Chief of Staff Eyald Zamir earned praise after emphasizing that the forces would execute the directives of the political leadership with excellence, even if they held different opinions.

The plans were presented over the course of the discussion, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, together with other ministers, pushed for implementing an effective siege after giving the population an opportunity to leave. He also called for a concentrated effort on the civilian outcome, which would involve distributing food only under Israeli supervision and, as the war progresses, moving toward annexation to demonstrate the price of Hamas's error and defeat when it launched the October 7 massacre.

According to sources knowledgeable on the subject, discussions for a deal are constantly underway to find a formula that will lead to the hostages' return, and these talks might continue even under fire from the new operation to conquer Gaza City. The elimination of the Hamas spokesman, which was accomplished over the weekend, also inspires hope that the terror group will eventually become more flexible.

Palestinians climb a vehicle as they gather to receive aid supplies in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, June 23, 2025 (Reuters/Ebrahim Hajjaj)

At the government meeting, Netanyahu spoke about the imminent operation in Gaza, saying "This operation reflects our commitment to bringing back all our hostages. I remind you that we have so far returned 207, including 148 living hostages. We will bring them all back – both the living and the deceased. The cabinet has made its decision on the matter – the defeat of Hamas and the release of all our hostages, through a great effort, and the IDF has already started to implement this decision. I wish to express my appreciation for the reserve and regular soldiers who are preparing for the mission of liberation and victory."

The cabinet ministers were also asked to state their views on the sovereignty plan being developed. As will be revealed by Israel Hayom for the first time, contrary to the hopes being nurtured by ministers in the government, the plan promoted by Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer with senior US administration officials proposes only partial sovereignty over the Jordan Valley region.

It is a plan based on a wide consensus in Israel and, as Dermer hopes, a bipartisan one in the US, in contrast to applying full sovereignty over most of the territory in Judea and Samaria. A senior government official who is familiar with the plan Dermer is promoting told Israel Hayom on Sunday that "Netanyahu is advancing a partial sovereignty move and will take heat for it from the Europeans as if he applied it to the entire area, when he could get full recognition from Trump."

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Exclusive: Reservist-led settlements in strategic location becomes real

ErezL — Thu, 29 May 2025 03:31:28 +0000

Combat reservists who defended Israel during recent fighting will pioneer a groundbreaking settlement initiative in the Jordan Valley this summer, establishing the first new community in this strategically crucial region. The Miluaimanikim – Dor Hanitzachon ("Reservists – Generation of Victory") movement leads this effort as part of the government's comprehensive approval of 22 settlements across Judea and Samaria, with five specifically allocated to the Jordan Valley.

Prime Minsiter Benjamin Netanyahu tours the Jordan Valley (Haim Zach / GPO)

The settlement pioneers will establish their community in Tevetz, a newly designated settlement built on the former Al-Malih base site. Military planners consider this location strategically vital, positioned adjacent to what Israeli forces term the "triangle of villages" – Taצmun, Tubas and Taysir. Israeli sees this corridor as a primary route through which Iran smuggles military equipment via Jordan into northern Samaria, facilitating subsequent terrorist operations within Israel proper.

The Settlement and National Missions Ministry, headed by Minister Orit Malka Strock, has been coordinating the project alongside the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry under Minister Amichai Chikli. The Amana movement provides institutional support, having championed the initiative from its earliest stages.

The group of reservists touring the prospective area

Movement leadership emphasizes that this represents the initial phase of an ambitious expansion plan targeting additional settlement cores nationwide. Their vision integrates substantive reserve military service with practical Zionist implementation and comprehensive national responsibility.

Maj. (Res.) Gilad Ach, who chairs the Miluaimanikim Dor Hanitzachon movement, characterized the development as historically significant. "This represents a historic day in the chronicles of Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel," Ach stated. "Several months ago our movement launched this settlement project where reservists return to settle in regions where they conducted combat operations, and through partnership with regional councils we are preparing to establish four new reservist settlements this summer while strengthening approximately 20 existing settlements along the state's borders in the north, surrounding areas and in the valley."

"Reserve fighters have demonstrated their profound commitment to the state and the people, and none are more deserving than them to spearhead the next generation of settlement and revitalize the Zionist movement," Ach continued. "This governmental action transmits a direct message to Israel's enemies that for every murder we will bring additional life and construction forever."

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Netanyahu vows to 'wield the sword' after 3 murdered at Allenby Crossing

omrif — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 09:00:38 +0000

Three people were killed in a terrorist attack that took place this morning (Sunday) at the Allenby Crossing on the Israel-Jordan border. The terrorist was neutralized by security forces. The attack tested yet again the fragile peace between Israel and Jordan, with both sides vowing to fight terrorists.

Video: 3 murdered in terrorist attack at Allenby Crossing.

A preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the attack indicates that the terrorist, a Jordanian truck driver who arrived from the Jordanian side, had concealed a pistol in his vehicle. Upon reaching the shared unloading area, and before a security check was conducted on the truck, the terrorist drew the weapon and opened fire on Israeli workers. The perpetrator was later named as Maher Dhiab Hussein al-Jazi, 39, who is from Udhruh, east of the Jordanian city and historic site Petra.

Yohanan Shchori, 61, from the Ma'ale Efrayim community, and Yuri Birenbaum, 65, from Na'ama– were named as two of the victims, both from Judea and Samaria. The third fatality's name was released about an hour later: Adrian Marcelo Podsmeser, from Ariel.

Scene of the attack at Allenby Crossing on Sept. 8, 2024 Magen David Adom emergency services

During the neutralization of the threat, security forces at the scene used a special measure, which likely caused the explosion that was heard in the area.

Video: The moments of the attack / Credit: Arab social media

The area of the attack in the Jordan Valley.

The attack occurred at at around 9:55 AM local time, with reports received at Magen David Adom's 101 emergency hotline about two people wounded by gunfire near the border terminal in the Jordan Valley and Emek HaMa'ayanot region.

Yotam Tzur, a Magen David Adom volunteer who works at the crossing, recounted: "While working, I heard bursts of gunfire. I immediately ran towards the scene and saw three people wounded by gunfire. I began performing resuscitation efforts."

"This was a very severe incident. We saw three men lying unconscious, without a pulse or breathing, with gunshot wounds on their bodies," said Magen David Adom emergency medic Yotam Tzur. "Together with an IDF medical team, we performed resuscitation efforts, but unfortunately, we had to pronounce them dead at the scene."

President Isaac Herzog said that he was "deeply saddened by the horrific murder of Yuri Birnbaum, Yohanan Shchori, and Adrian Marcello Podsmesser, this morning in the abhorrent terror attack at the Allenby Crossing. I send a warm embrace and my heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims. May they know no more sorrow." He added, "The peace agreements between Israel and its neighbors are a cornerstone of stability in the region, and we trust all parties will thoroughly investigate the incident and work to prevent future attacks. This horrific act reinforces our resolve to stand firm in the face of terror, and we will continue to fight with determination against terrorism and extremist elements which seek to undermine our security and the stability of the whole region."

Video: PM Netanyahu after the terrorist attack / Credit:X/@israelipm

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that "we will stand together. We will wield the sword of David together and with G-d's help, we will win," referring not only to the attack but also to the ongoing war against Hamas."There are those who ask – 'Shall the sword devour forever?' [II Samuel 2:26]. In the Middle East, without the sword, there is no 'forever'."

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Copper Age residents of Jordan Valley were 'social drinkers,' research reveals

Noga Martin — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:15:42 +0000

A joint team of researchers from Israel and the United States say they have uncovered evidence of ancient social beer consumption after examining cereal grains at a 7,000-year-old archeological site.

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The study, led by Professor Danny Rosenberg from the University of Haifa and Professor Li Liu of Stanford University analyzed grain remnants from pottery strainers and concluded the clay tools were used in the production of beer.

Researchers looked into the strainers at two Copper Age sites – 7,000-year-old Tel Tsaf, an ancient settlement in the Jordan Valley that was home to several hundred people in the Chalcolithic Age, and Peki'in Cave, a burial site located in the Upper Galilee which dates back to 4,500 –3,900 BCE.

Tel Tsaf is one of the only sites in Israel that dates back to this period of history, when humans began to transition from small agricultural societies to communities that bore traces of early urbanization.

"The microfossils (phytoliths, starch granules, yeast cells, and fibers) indicate that both strainers once contained fermented beverages made from Triticeae (wheat/barley), Panicoideae, and Cyperus tubers," the scientists explain in an article in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology.

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They said that "these results suggest that beer production and consumption using strainers may have been regularly practiced" during this period of time.

The clay fragments that contained traces of cereals that lead researcher to think that beer was consumed at Tel Tsaf Tel Tsaf Research Project

"You can imagine how the nascent society at Tel Tsaf held large events at which they would consume large amounts of food and beer in a social context, and not only for ritual rites," Rosenberg said.

The finding marks the earliest instance of evidence on the social consumption of beer in the Levant before the Bronze Age, according to The Times of Israel.

Additionally, the researchers reported that the alcoholic beverage was significant to gatherings in ancient Israel, and indicated a higher level of social complexity.

"Beer appears to have played an important role in various social settings for communication among social groups as well as between the living and the deceased," the experts concluded.

i24NEWS contributed to this report

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Government to present plan to double Jordan Valley population

Oren Klass — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 05:28:05 +0000

The Construction and Housing Ministry is drafting a resolution seeking to double the number of Israeli residents in the Jordan Valley.

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The resolution will be presented to the government only after the national budget is approved by the Knesset, but before the end of the 2021 work year, senior government officials told Israel Hayom. The Prime Minister's Office, the Finance Ministry and the Interior Ministry also worked on the joint resolution.

Small communities

Currently, some 1,500 families live in the Jordan Valley – most of them in small communities. In some of these places, meanwhile, the population is aging.

The goal of the government initiative is to double the number of families to around 3,000 within four years. The government will allocate NIS 90 million ($28 million) to the plan. The budget will earmark improving the physical and social infrastructure in these communities.

Additionally, the state will fund the real estate development costs for those who decide to purchase plots in the Jordan Valley.

The plan, it should be noted, does not propose creating new communities, rather expanding the existing ones. "There are more than enough communities in the area, but what's needed is to expand those that exist, not only to prevent their aging and dying but also because ultimately this offers more solutions to the high apartment prices," officials familiar with the details said.

Officials close to Housing and Construction Minister Ze'ev Elkin, who spearheaded the initiative, believe it won't cause diplomatic or political problems, because there is broad national consensus over the importance of the Jordan Valley.

Moreover, moving forward with the plan won't require approvals from the political echelon because it simply realizes plans that were already approved in the past but never were implemented.

'Just like the Golan Heights'

"The Jordan Valley, similar to the Golan Heights and the other areas along Israel's eastern strip, is of vital strategic importance to the security of the country and its future and is an inseparable part of the Zionist vision," Elkin said.

"Following the plan to double the number of residents on the Golan, now it's the turn of the Jordan Valley, which is also part of the national consensus," he added.

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Settlers: Netanyahu had a golden opportunity for sovereignty, but missed it

Noga Martin — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 15:40:09 +0000

Israel's settler leaders say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defrauded them of their long-held dream of applying Israeli law in Judea and Samaria by agreeing to the country's normalization deal with the United Arab Emirates.

Their anger could be a problem for Netanyahu, whom they accuse of repeatedly floating the idea of sovereignty in the Jordan Valley and settlements in Judea and Samaria only to cave in to international pressure when the terms of the UAE deal required him to walk back his promises.

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"He deceived us, defrauded us, duped us," said David Elhayani, head of Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria (Yesha).

"It's a major disappointment. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, a golden opportunity that the prime minister missed because he lacked the courage," said Elhayani. "He's lost it. He needs to go."

Video: Reuters

Around 450,000 Jewish settlers now live among 3 million Palestinians in Judea and Samaria, and another 200,000 live in disputed east Jerusalem.

When Netanyahu promised during recent elections to apply Israeli sovereignty to areas of the West Bank, including Jewish settlements, he said he first needed a green light from Washington.

That green light appeared to have been given by US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan released in January, which envisaged Israel applying sovereignty to its 120 settlements in almost a third of the West Bank.

But when Trump announced the UAE deal this month, he said annexation was now "off the table."

Polls have shown wide support in Israel for the UAE deal. But the ideological settler leadership has significant political clout, and has long been a bastion of Netanyahu's support.

Aware that he might lose their backing to parties even more hawkish than his own, Netanyahu sought to keep settler hopes alive.

"Sovereignty is not off the agenda, I was the one who brought it to the Trump plan with American consent. We will apply sovereignty," he told Army Radio, saying the White House had merely asked for a postponement.

But many settler leaders are unconvinced. MK Bezalel Smotrich (Yamina) said Netanyahu "has been deceiving right-wing voters for many years with great success."

In the hilltop settlement of Kedumim, veteran settler leader Daniella Weiss said: "I don't think the Jewish nation needs to give up any of its treasures, any part ... of our homeland, for a peace treaty."

"I am a pioneer who established an outpost, then my children did it, now my grandchildren are doing it. This is the dream and this is the plan and this is what our movement does."

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EU diplomats predict low-key 'punishment' for Israeli sovereignty

Oren Klass — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 05:36:54 +0000

If Israel proceeds with its plan to apply Israeli law to the Jordan Valley and settlements in Judea and Samaria, the European Union will take punitive measures of relatively little economic significance, European diplomats have been saying in recent talks ahead of the target date for Israeli sovereignty – July 1.

The diplomats preferred not to be quoted by name due to the sensitivity of the issue.

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According to the European envoys, the internal working guidelines of EU institutions; the historical relationship between Israel and Germany, as well as other EU member nations; and Europe's interest in maintaining good relations with Israel will ultimately prevent the EU from responding harshly to the application of Israeli sovereignty.

The officials said that EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles was leading a line very critical of Israel. AT a meeting of EU foreign ministers some three weeks ago, Borrell tried to publish a joint statement warning Israel not to extend sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and settlements in Judea and Samaria, but Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria blocked the move. Borrell was forced to put out the statement in his own name only.

Moreover, Borell's independent action drew criticism from EU member states and even President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, as it violated EU work rules, which require consensus for such steps.

Diplomats expect that the EU nations friendly to Israel will also block initiatives from Sweden, Ireland, Luxembourg, and other countries to place Israel under economic sanctions.

"Every major decision about European foreign policy requires consensus of all 27 member nations," one diplomat observed.

"Because of the serious disagreements, European diplomats in Israel cannot even agree on what is happening here. If they can't agree on the facts, there will not be any agreement about sanctions," he continued.

The officials also noted that Germany – the strongest EU member, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency – will not lend its hand to serious action against Israel.

"It is inconceivable that Germany would recall its ambassador from Tel Aviv or agree to any economic boycott of Israeli products. A scenario like that or anything similar to it is simply implausible," another diplomat said.

The envoys also said they did not expect the EU to cancel its partnership with Israel on the Horizon 2027 research initiative, because Israel's research and development capabilities were "too good" to give up. They said that even if there were several officials in the EU Foreign Ministry who wanted to punish Israel severely over sovereignty, other key actors in EU institutions would use the tools at their disposal to undermine attempts to do so.

Ultimately, the diplomats assessed, Europe's response to the momentous step Israel plans to take on July 1 will be largely verbal and symbolic. They expect the EU to issue a harshly-worded response that will accuse Israel of violating international law, and it is possible that policies of labeling products that originate from Judea and Samaria will be enforced more strictly than they have to date. Another possibility, they said, is that the EU might pass a resolution not to upgrade its ties with Israel, a step that has been frozen for decades already. Finally, the diplomats said it was likely that a number of EU nations would unilaterally recognize the existence of a Palestinian state.

The diplomats who spoke with Israel Hayom attacked the EU's internal policies, particularly when it comes to Israel.

"Every time that Israel is under discussion, you can see that minds are locked. The discussion becomes dogmatic and nothing reasonable can be said. People are stuck in perceptions from the past, and for some, you can see how annoyed they are by their faces and hands. The European discourse is very hypocritical," one official said.

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Elections will determine whether Israel seizes or squanders a historic opportunity

Oren Klass — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:19:37 +0000

The "deal of the century" presented by my friend, US President Donald Trump, offers the State of Israel a historic opportunity that won't return: to protect and defend our country, determine our borders, and ensure our future. We must do all we can to capitalize on this opportunity and not squander it.

Ever since the plan was revealed two weeks ago, many things have been said and written in the media to distort it. Here are the facts to counter the false claims:

Claim one: Trump's peace plan won't lead to the application of Israeli law in the Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley.

Fact: It will do just that! For the first time since the establishment of the state, the deal of the century will grant American recognition of our sovereignty over these regions of our homeland. This is the realization of the Zionist vision.

As US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman explained, the application of Israeli law in these territories requires the completion of the mapping process by the joint American-Israeli committee – because we must map out the 800-kilometer (498-mile) line, which will encompass the area where Israeli sovereignty will be applied. We will finish this process as quickly as possible.

I reject the claim that President Trump won't keep his word. He promised to exit the dangerous nuclear deal with Iran – and followed through. He promised to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital – and followed through. He promised to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem – and followed through. He promised to recognize our sovereignty on the Golan Heights – and followed through.

On the matter of sovereignty in our homeland, he will follow through. Together with President Trump, I will apply Israeli law in all our communities in Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley, the northern Dead Sea, and additional large swathes.

Claim two: Trump's peace plan creates a Palestinian state that supports terror.

Fact: The plan does the exact opposite. It imposes strict and rigid conditions on the Palestinians in exchange for a future deal. Among other things, the plan requires Palestinian society to fundamentally change and become a democratic entity.

Israel and the US will determine whether the Palestinians are fulfilling these conditions, of which there are many. To enter negotiations the Palestinians must do the following:

Immediately cease all "salary" payments to terrorists and their families.
Halt all efforts to join international organizations without Israel's approval.
Pull their lawsuits against Israel at the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

All these are preconditions the Palestinians must meet just to enter diplomatic talks. To conclude such negotiations, they must fulfill each of the following conditions:

Recognize the State of Israel as a Jewish state.
Recognize a united Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Agree to Israeli security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River – on land, at sea, and in the air.
Cease any and all incitement against Israel, including in school textbooks and curricula, and in all Palestinian Authority institutions.
Completely demilitarize Gaza and the entire Palestinian population.
Completely cede the "right of return."
Disarm Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations.
Hold free elections, safeguard freedom of the press, protect human rights, protect freedom of religion, and grant equal rights to religious minorities.

And again, Israel and the US will be the ones to determine whether the Palestinians have indeed met these conditions, before finalizing an accord even becomes possible. Moreover, if after the signing of such an accord the Palestinians fail to meet their security conditions, Israel will be able to reverse the processes outlined by the accord.

Claim three: This peace plan isn't different from past initiatives.

Fact: Not true! This is the friendliest plan toward Israel ever proposed. It is a historic turn of events for the future of our people. For the first time, Trump's plan is doing the exact opposite of previous diplomatic proposals.

Instead of demanding concrete "gestures" from Israel (such as the release of terrorists and construction freezes in our communities) just to begin talks, without demanding anything of the Palestinians – this plan is a complete reversal. Irrespective of Palestinian acceptance or rejection, we are getting American recognition over parts of our homeland, while the Palestinians must make considerable concessions just to enter talks!

Earlier diplomatic plans were predicated on the warped view that Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the Jordan Valley are all "occupied" lands that need to be negotiated. For the first time, an American administration is proposing a plan that recognizes the historical bond and our national rights in the Land of Israel, our biblical and ancestral homeland.

The plan even calls for the establishment of an international mechanism to resolve the issue of Jewish refugees who were forced to flee Arab and Muslim countries. It calls on Arab countries to terminate anti-Israel initiatives in the United Nations and other international bodies.

Claim four: The deal of the century won't truly impact Israeli citizens.

Fact: This plan will dramatically affect every single citizen in Israel. The safety of Israelis everywhere – especially in the main cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Petah Tikva, Netanya, Rishon Lezion and others – depends on us maintaining security control in Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley.

The deal of the century ensures this. It will eliminate the prospect of missile attacks on Israeli cities and Ben-Gurion International Airport from the hills of Judea and Samaria. The US plan deals with more than just applying Israeli law in our homeland. It is a historic moment of defining our identities and ensuring the future of our homeland. This is our heritage, the essence of our culture, the deep biblical link between our people and the Land of Israel.

The choice we make in the coming weeks will define our nation forever. After 11 years of working against previous American administrations' policy of withdrawals and uprooting, after three years of working closely with President Trump and his team – we finally have the opportunity to bolster our security, determine our borders and ensure our future.

Claim five: The upcoming elections won't affect the deal of the century.

Fact: These elections will determine whether Israel seizes or squanders a historic opportunity. I will implement the deal of the century. Our political adversaries will implement the "miss of the century." For the sake of realizing the historic opportunity, for the sake of the Land of Israel, we must not miss this moment.

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EU foreign policy chief warns of violence if Israel annexes Jordan Valley

Oren Klass — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 08:55:22 +0000

The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, urged Israel on Tuesday not to annex the Jordan Valley, warning of violent Palestinian protests if it went ahead.

"This may happen ... You can be sure it's not going to be peaceful," Borrell told the European Parliament.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toured the Jordan Valley on Monday and reiterated his pledge to apply Israeli law there and in other areas that have been designated under the newly unveiled White House peace plan.

"President Donald Trump said that he will recognize Israel's application of sovereignty [over the relevant areas], and he will do so once we finalize the processes that have already begun," Netanyahu said,

Borrell, who traveled to Washington last week, also reiterated his rejection of parts of Trump's peace plan.

"The proposals tabled two weeks ago clearly challenge the internationally agreed parameters. It is difficult to see how this initiative can bring both parties back to the table," Borrell said of Israel and the Palestinians.

"I made this point to my (US) interlocutors: We need to ask ourselves whether this plan provides a basis for progress or not."

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Israeli cabinet postpones vote on West Bank annexation

Oren Klass — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:43:16 +0000

Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said on Wednesday that a cabinet vote to endorse annexation of parts of Judea and Samaria will not take place early next week, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pledge a day earlier to act quickly after the US released a peace plan rejected by the Palestinians.

Netanyahu said he would ask the cabinet to advance the extension of Israeli sovereignty over most Jewish settlements and the strategic Jordan Valley.

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Levin told Israel Radio that a cabinet vote on annexing territories on Sunday was not technically feasible because of various preparations, including "bringing the proposal before the attorney general and letting him consider the matter."

Some on the Right have called for the immediate annexation of Judea and Samaria settlements ahead of the country's third parliamentary election in under a year, scheduled for March 2.

Levin, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party, said the Palestinian state envisioned by the Trump peace plan is "roughly the same Palestinian Authority that exists today, with authority to manage civil affairs," but lacking "substantive powers" like border control or a military.

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted Wednesday that "that which is postponed to after the elections will never happen."

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett (Marc Israel Sellem)

"If we postpone or reduce the extension of sovereignty [in Judea and Samaria], then the opportunity of the century will turn into the loss of the century," said Bennett, a co-leader of the New Right party.

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