‘Settlements an expression of our historical right,’ says Rivlin

In a meeting with West Bank settlement leaders, President Reuven Rivlin reaffirms his longstanding position that Israel should retain control of the West Bank, but adds that this carries with it “responsibility for all those who live here.”

“I love the land of Israel with all my heart,” Rivlin says, referring to Israeli territory as well as the West Bank. “I have never and will never give up on this land. For me, our right to this land is not a matter of political debate. It is a basic fact of modern Zionism.

“We must not give anyone the sense that we are in any doubt about our right to our land. For me, the settlement of the land of Israel is an expression of that right, our historical right, our national right, stemming from a love for the land of Israel, from a recognition of our roots, which come together here,” he adds, according to a transcript of his speech provided by the President’s Residence.

“I have no doubt that it is clear to all of us, that in order to realize the ultimate goal of building the land of Israel, we must be sure to do so only with the use of the legal tools available to us. Our sovereignty in this land means responsibility for all those who live here, and obligates all of us to uphold the strictest of moral codes, which is inherent in each and every one of us. I know that the settlement movement as a whole has confirmed this moral and ethical stance, and I want to strengthen and encourage you on this clear stance.”