The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Tom Nides, rejected Thursday a hypothetical total or partial annexation of the West Bank by the future Israeli Executive, led by Likud and in which the extremist Otzma Yehudi could have a relevant role.
«Our position is quite clear: we do not support annexation. We will fight against any attempt to do so,» Nides stressed during an interview with the public broadcaster Kan, reported by the newspaper ‘The Times of Israel’.
Despite this, he has shown himself neutral towards the position that Washington may have with the new Israeli cabinet, yet to be formed, assuring that he will not make «draconian statements» to muddy the situation.
«We want to see, rhetorically, what they say and how they act. At this point the government is not even formed (when it is), we will determine what talks can be held,» the U.S. diplomat said, as reported by ‘The Jerusalem Post’.
Nides’ comments come after Yariv Levin, a Likud deputy, said after his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog that the annexation of the West Bank is on the table and on the agenda of the future government.
Herzog himself said on Wednesday that «everyone» is concerned about the possible role in the Executive of the far-right MP Itamar Ben Gvir, who has asked to be put in charge of the Ministry of Public Security as part of his support for Likud.
Herzog, whose words were captured by an open microphone during a meeting, said that «there is a matter he doesn’t want to talk about because he doesn’t want to embarrass anyone.» «They’re going to have a problem with the Temple Mount,» he said, using the name given by Jews to the Esplanade of the Mosques.
Ben Gvir, leader of the extremist Otzma Yehudi, has been accused in the past of inciting violence and whipping up tensions with Palestinians. The MP has made numerous visits to the Esplanade of the Mosques and supports allowing Jews to pray at the site, which is currently forbidden.
If appointed Minister of Public Security, Ben Gvir would be in charge of security operations at the Esplanade of the Mosques, located in the Old City of Jerusalem and the epicenter of tensions in recent months between Israelis and Palestinians, who are protesting against violations of the status quo at the site.
