Yesha Council urges Netanyahu to apply full sovereignty in Judea and Samaria

The Yesha Council has appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move ahead with applying Israeli sovereignty over all of Judea and Samaria, requesting that the issue be addressed at the next government meeting.

In a letter sent Thursday, 19 regional and local council leaders said the step was needed in response to recent political and security developments.

They warned that hesitation on the matter “encourages” international initiatives to promote Palestinian statehood.

The signatories pointed to the current military situation, with the Israel Defense Forces operating in Gaza, on the northern border against Hezbollah, and in actions targeting Iran, and noted the absence of a formal statement declaring Judea and Samaria as part of Israel.

Such a declaration, they argued, is necessary to strengthen deterrence and assure the security of local communities.

They referenced a Knesset resolution passed by a large majority that supports the application of sovereignty, highlighting that Netanyahu had voted for it.

The letter said the time had come to translate those decisions into action, calling for sovereignty “across Judea and Samaria” rather than limited to settlement blocs.

The council leaders also expressed concern over possible developments at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, where they said Muslim and European nations are seeking recognition of a Palestinian state.

They warned that such a move could create “a forward base for terrorism” close to several Israeli cities and pose “an existential threat” to the country.

The Yesha Council represents Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and has repeatedly urged the government to formalize sovereignty in the area. There was no immediate public response from Netanyahu’s office to the latest appeal.