Lapid on Judea and Samaria sovereignty push: 'Yet another provocation toward a world that’s already turning it's back on us'

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed the government's plans to apply sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and to advance construction in the E1 area during a Yesh Atid faction meeting on Sunday.

“This is just yet another provocation toward a world that is already turning its back on us,” Lapid said. He made the remarks in response to a question from Kan News.

Lapid continued, “What are they trying to do? Further damage our international relations? And for what? It’s not going to happen, and all we’ll get out of this is to absorb more and more serious international damage for something that has no viability.”

According to him, “Yesh Atid of course supports the annexation of Ma’ale Adumim, Ariel, and of course Jerusalem – as part of an agreement. But unilateral steps are not helpful in any way or on any front.” He added about the government, “It sometimes seems as if they got together and made a joint decision on how to ruin Israel’s international relations. So far, they’re doing a good job of it.”

About three weeks ago, Ma’ale Adumim Mayor Guy Yifrah announced that the Civil Administration had approved the planning for the construction of the E1 neighborhood – "Mevaseret Adumim."

Israeli construction in the E1 area – which covers 12 square kilometers and is located between Ma’ale Adumim and Jerusalem – has been delayed for years due to various reasons, including international pressure. Building in this area would disrupt the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian state and would sever the connection between Bethlehem and East Jerusalem on one side and Ramallah on the other.

Last night, Hadashot HaShabbat (Saturday News) reported that the president of the United Arab Emirates met in Riyadh with the Saudi crown prince. The two agreed that if Israel annexes territory in Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank, the Emiratis would withdraw from the Abraham Accords. For the Saudis, such a move would likely end any chance of normalization with Israel.

The UAE has warned in recent days that annexing territory in the West Bank would constitute a “red line” in its relations with Israel, and it now appears that the Emiratis have coordinated positions on the matter with Saudi Arabia.