Omer Rahamim, Director General of the Yesha Council, says that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must take a clear and decisive stand on applying Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, warning that continued hesitation weakens Israel and invites international pressure.
Speaking to the 'Post' ahead of a Yesha Council delegation’s departure for Washington, Rahamim said the group’s mission is to “stand by the Prime Minister, strengthen him, and ensure he pushes forward with all his might for sovereignty.”
Rahamim acknowledged growing international opposition to Israeli sovereignty, but argued that this only highlights its urgency.
“We met in the last few weeks with the prime minister and stressed how important it was to advance sovereignty quickly as a strategic move,” he said. “Unfortunately, it has not yet been carried out, and now international pressure has increased against sovereignty. That shows just how important it is.”
He added that France’s president Emmanuel Macron cited Israel’s own internal debate on sovereignty as a factor in his decision to move toward recognizing a Palestinian state.
“For many years, no Israeli leader clearly said the state intends to apply sovereignty. That hesitation has weakened us,” Rahamim said.
American stance would be different if Netanyahu speaks more clearly
The Yesha chief also addressed US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks opposing sovereignty. “We were surprised by his comments, since they were different from what we had heard both publicly and privately,” Rahamim noted.
“But Trump is the president of the United States. Our prime minister is the one responsible for Israel’s decisions. I don’t expect Trump to be more of a Zionist than Netanyahu, he said.
"I believe the American stance would look different if Netanyahu would have clearly said he supported applying sovereignty.”
Despite Trump’s position, Rahamim insisted that ties between Jerusalem and Washington are strong enough to withstand disagreements. “We deeply respect President Trump. He has been the best president Israel has ever had."
Contradiction fuels international pressure
"But ultimately, we have one prime minister, and that is Netanyahu. We need him to speak clearly for over half a million Israelis living in Judea and Samaria, and for all Israelis who cannot accept a Palestinian state just 300 meters from Kfar Saba.”
Rahamim dismissed arguments that Israel can continue to build and expand in Judea and Samaria without a formal sovereignty move. “That’s like a bachelor asking why get married if he can enjoy the best of both worlds,” he said.
“Israel acts as the de facto authority in Judea and Samaria but refuses to formalize sovereignty. That contradiction fuels international pressure.”
He warned that the favorable climate under Trump will not last forever. “We must prepare for darker days. Sovereignty will secure Israel’s legitimacy in the medium and long term. Without it, the pressure will only intensify, especially as progressive forces in Europe gain strength.”
Concluding, Rahamim said Israel’s future depends on decisive leadership: “If Israel continues to hesitate, we will face far worse diplomatic challenges than the immediate criticism of applying sovereignty. It is time for clarity.”