Netanyahu: No settlements will be uprooted in future peace deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu implores settler leaders to unify behind his peace efforts, promising he would not bring a “catastrophe” upon the settlements and that none would be uprooted as part of a future peace deal with the Palestinians.

In his remarks in the Knesset, in an event marking 50 years since the capture of the West Bank and Jordan Valley during the Six Day War, Netanyahu promises that no harm will come to the settlements.

“Alongside our desire to reach an agreement with our Palestinian neighbors, we will continue to protect the settlement enterprise and strengthen it,” says Netanyahu. “We are doing this responsibly and with discretion.”

“No one will be uprooted from his home,” the prime minister vows, to applause.

Referring to the settler leaders as “my friends,” the prime minister made a plea for unity.

“I am doing what is necessary to protect the Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria… we will continue to develop it, and we will not bring a tragedy upon the settlements, if we agree to work together. This is the most important thing. To work together.”

— Marissa Newman