Israeli ministers say Trump will accept Israel’s annexation of Judea and Samaria

Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman dismissed concerns that the initiative could strain ties with Washington.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The Knesset – Israel’s parliament – moved closer to enacting sovereignty over Judea and Samaria as lawmakers hailed Monday’s vote as a milestone for national independence.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit Party described the measure as “historic” and told Arutz Sheva that Israel must pursue policies guided by its own interests.

“We love our friends in America and appreciate them greatly,” he said, “but this is a Jewish country, and we have to do what is right for the State of Israel—sovereignty and independence.”

Ben-Gvir said he was surprised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hesitation to fully back the measure. “This government was elected as a right-wing government,” he said. “I am pleased we are helping it act like one.”

Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism party dismissed concerns that the initiative could strain ties with Washington.

“There is no harm whatsoever to the relationship with President Trump,” he said. Rothman recalled Trump’s recent remarks that Israel is a small nation that “should work to expand,” though he emphasized that the sovereignty push stems from Israel’s own priorities.

Rothman also pointed to Trump’s earlier address to the Knesset, saying it reflected a recognition of Israel’s biblical roots.

“He spoke about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” Rothman said. “This land was promised to the People of Israel, and it must belong to them not only in name but also in fact.”

Yesha Council Director General Omer Rahamim rebuked Likud lawmakers who voted against the proposal, saying some had “chosen politics over the Land of Israel.”

Still, he expressed optimism that the bill would advance in further readings. “Israel is a sovereign state with excellent relations with the United States, founded on independence,” he said, adding that the sovereignty step follows recent Israeli military successes.

Rothman concluded that the legislation reflects rare cross-party support. “We passed our proposals with 80 votes—two-thirds of the Knesset,” he said. “The Land of Israel unites us. If the prime minister brings sovereignty to a vote, it will pass.”