Regarding the recent announcement that "US President Donald J. Trump has decided to lift the sanctions imposed on a number of settlers in the West Bank," I cannot help but recall a comment from one of the "Hilltop Youth" movement: “We are going to receive many 'gifts' in the near future… None of this is worth the terrible ['hostage-ceasefire'] agreement… that no one will think they can buy us off with lentil stew."
In his inauguration speech yesterday, the incoming president explicitly declared his desire to be remembered as a "peacemaker and a unifier." From my understanding his administration will go to great lengths to ensure the agreement remains intact, avoiding any derailment that could lead to renewed conflict. The American interest, as perceived by the new administration, stands in direct opposition to the aspirations of the settlers. Trump stated in his speech that he intends to "end wars and not start new ones," and the incoming national security advisor assured the families of those kidnapped that the administration is committed to "implementing the cessation of hostilities."
If the "gifts" — which the author lists as "construction in the West Bank, budgets, perhaps even the establishment of new settlements" — are not granted, it would be prudent for the Israeli government to prevent their allocation altogether. It would be a mistake to squander precious national resources on such a bland "stew." The enthusiasm expressed by the head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, seems premature. The incoming president's "love for Israel" is overshadowed by his unwavering commitment to "America first… that we love so much."
The so-called "dispute between friends" may soon reveal itself as a significant clash, fundamentally at odds with the goals of Israel's radical and extremist right.
