The Sovereignty Movement together with Regavim publishes an open letter to Prime Minister Yair Lapid ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to Israel and the expected meetings there.
Israel Prime Minister
Yair Lapid
Greetings,
You have been accorded the great privilege of representing the people of Israel and the State of Israel during the visit of the President of the United States to Israel.
During the visit, it is anticipated that the American president will try to exert pressures to advance his vision of dividing Israel and establishing a Palestinian state in its heart. However, you have the obligation to block moves of this kind, which encourage terror, endanger the future of the state, undermine stability in the Middle East, which is why the overwhelming majority of the people in Israel oppose them.
As a leader committed to democracy and the rule of law, we are sure that you are well aware of the restrictions placed on a caretaker government and the person leading it. These restrictions can be used to deflect American pressure.
You, together with Naftali Bennett, demonstrated the ability to withstand US pressure when the Americans sought to establish a consulate for the Palestinian Authority in Jerusalem. You did so out of an understanding of the critical damage this would cause to Israel’s sovereignty over its eternal capital.
Firm adherence to values and principles has always been highly appreciated by the US administration in the past. This was the case in the days of Ben-Gurion and the decision to declare Israel’s independence, as well as in the days of Menachem Begin and the decision to declare Israel’s sovereignty in the Golan Heights and to bomb the nuclear reactor in Iraq, as well as when Shimon Peres built Israel’s nuclear reactor. Although standing firm sometimes results in friction in the short term, in the long term it commands respect, and most importantly, standing firm in this matter is crucial to protect Israel's interests.
The American decision to hold a visit in East Jerusalem without an Israeli presence is a violation of Israeli and American law, a violation of Israel’s dignity and sovereignty, and provides an indication of the direction the visit will take: to exert pressure on Israel’s decision makers, most especially you, Mr. Prime Minister, to make painful concessions that will endanger Israel's future. At this time, the reins have been handed over to you. Stand firm to defend the people and State of Israel.
Sincerely yours,
Yehudit Katsover and Nadia Matar
Co-Chair of The Sovereignty Movement
Meir Deutsch
Director of Regavim