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Israel’s new foreign minister endorses Trump’s plan, mindful on annexation

Israel’s new Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi calls to advance the Trump administration plan, but is careful not to call advancing annexation moves.
MK Gabi Ashkenazi of Blue and White party at an  election campaign event ahead of the coming Israeli elections, in Kfar Saba on Feb 12, 2020.  (Photo by Gili Yaari/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Israel’s new Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi embraced today US President Donald Trump’s peace plan with the Palestinians, yet stopped short of supporting any unilateral annexation by Israel of West Bank lands. Speaking at the May 18 changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the Foreign Ministry, Ashkenazi said, “President Trump presented us with a historic opportunity to shape the future of the State of Israel and its boundaries for decades to come."

Ashkenazi was echoing the pledge made last February by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, who vowed that if elected prime minister he would advance the Trump administration plan and push for the Knesset to adopt it in full. Still, both Ashkenazi and Gantz are aware of the diplomatic landmine planted within the plan, in the form of American acceptance of West Bank settlement annexation. As agreed in the April 20 unity deal, Blue and White will enable Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to present for Knesset vote his annexation plan this summer, but its leadership is reluctant over supporting it.

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