Netanyahu: Gantz’s Party ‘May Be in Favor’ of Partial Annexation of Jordan Valley, Settlement Blocs

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his opponent-turned-coalition partner Benny Gantz and his Kahol Lavan faction might be in favor of his annexation plan, as the prospects of a July 1 start to the process remain uncertain. 

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– LISTEN: How Netanyahu could fudge annexation, hoodwink Gantz and cling on to power

LISTEN: How Netanyahu could fudge annexation, hoodwink Gantz and cling on to power

“I wanted to bring annexation for approval soon, but the map isn’t ready yet," Netanyahu said at a Likud party meeting.

"We don’t know what’s with Kahol Lavan, it’s a good question, even I don’t know where they stand," he added. "They may be in favor of [annexing] the Jordan Valley and settlement blocs.

Benny Gantz has previously supported the idea of annexation, although there are disagreements regarding the scale and pace at which it should happen. 

During a speech before the American Jewish Committee, which held its annual conference virtually in light of the coronavirus crisis, Gantz on Monday called U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East proposal a "great plan," adding "We have to work on the basis of it and move forward with regional partners, with local partners, of course with consensus within the Israeli society, and with full coordination and backup with the United States."