Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting June 7 with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to discuss the planned annexation of West Bank lands in accordance with President Donald Trump’s blueprint. The surprise participation by US Ambassador David Friedman gave rise to much speculation. Friedman, a staunch annexation advocate, seems to have been cast in the role of mediator between Netanyahu and the two former military chiefs, his political rivals who are now members of his unity government.
Although Gantz and Ashkenazi have been keeping a low media profile on the explosive issue, they have made clear to Netanyahu that they will not rubber stamp any annexation plan he proposes and, in any case, would not give their OK without a green light from the White House.
