Israeli Government Split Over Symbolic Bill to Annex Jordan Valley

As the issue of an Israeli military presence in the Jordan Valley after a peace agreement with the Palestinians is signed becomes increasingly significant as a presumed issue in talks brokered by US Secretary of State Kerry, right-wing ministers in the Israeli cabinet launched a bill that would formally annex that land, said by Prime Minister Netanyahu to be irreplaceable for Israel’s security. Palestinian officials unequivocally dismiss the Israeli position as unacceptable. The legislation passed its reading in Ministerial Committee on Legislation, but even though it is seen as having no chance of being passed by the legislature, it nevertheless divided ministers in the Netanyahu cabinet. Those who opposed the measure called it “provocative” and warned it would cause harm to the peace process. Some suggested the parliamentary move would backfire on its sponsors by calling attention to the contentious issue.