Let's Dissect Trump's Statement on Communities in Judea and Samaria

Let’s Dissect Trump’s Statement on Communities in Judea and Samaria
Micha Gefen
February 5, 2017
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Image Source: Maale Hever | Trump - Gage Skidmore
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With all of the uproar concerning Donald Trump’s supposed about face concerning Jewish communities in Judea and Samria (collectively known as “settlements”) it is important to look at the entire statement from the administration’s press secretary Sean Spicer.

“The American desire for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians has remained unchanged for 50 years. While we don’t believe the existence of settlements is an impediment to peace, the construction of new settlements or the expansion of existing settlements beyond their current borders may not be helpful in achieving that goal. As the President has expressed many times, he hopes to achieve peace throughout the Middle East region. The Trump administration has not taken an official position on settlement activity and looks forward to continuing discussions, including with Prime Minister Netanyahu when he visits with President Trump later this month.”

Although the elite media seems bent on misreporting the above statement as opposition to “settlements,” the Trump administration seems to be indicating the opposite.

“…we don’t believe the existence of settlements is an impediment to peace…”

This line is pretty explicit, President Trump does not believe “settlements” are the reason why there has been no peace agreement. It is true the administration then goes on to dictate the extent of Israeli “settlement” construction it deems permissible, however the contours of this are so vast, it would include all government building tenders in the foreseeable future.

Some explanation is needed.

Each community has what is called a blue line or community border. This is far larger than the built up areas within the communities. Many communities would be able to double or even triple and in some cases quadruple in size before they were maxed out. The statement does not make a distinction between “settlement blocks” or “isolated settlements.” Essentially the Trump administration is saying to Israel, don’t make a big deal every time you build some houses and we won’t make a big deal back.

This approach allows President Trump to continue support for Judea and Samaria without disturbing the growing alliance of Sunni Arab states and Israel in opposition to Iran.

Eessntially, what the elite media is reporting is nothing other than fake news.