US ambassador to Israel David Friedman has announced Washington’s readiness to recognize Israel’s sovereignty in the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley within the coming weeks.
In an interview with Israel Hayom newspaper on the second anniversary of moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Occupied Jerusalem Friedman said prior steps need to be completed first before the recognition.
“Washington does not plan to impose any new conditions for the move” he said.
Freidman explained that the US would recognize the Israeli sovereignty after steps are taken including the completion of mapping and halting Israeli settlements construction in Area C — which is excluded from the annexation.
“It’s not the US that is declaring sovereignty but the Israeli government. Once it does the US is ready to recognize it” he said.
Israel is expected to carry out the annexation plan on July 1st as agreed between Netanyahu and head of Blue and White party Benny Gantz both of them currently forming a unity government.
