The laconic statement issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in the afternoon hours of July 1 officially confirmed what had become abundantly clear in recent days: Israel’s annexation of lands in the West Bank would not begin on his target date and the fate of the historic move is unclear.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues discussions of the sovereignty issue with the Americans,” read the single-paragraph announcement. “At the same time, he held a discussion with the head of the National Security Council and top defense officials. … Additional discussions will take place in the coming days.”
