Settlers welcome US decision to soften stance on West Bank

The Yesha settlement umbrella council’s foreign envoy, Efrat Mayor Oded Revivi, lauds the expected US announcement that it is softening its stance on the settlements, and calls on the Israeli government to follow suit by annexing the West Bank.

“Settlement is not a crime and it is not an obstacle to peace. The actions of US Ambassador [David] Friedman reflect the reality on the ground and the legal status [of the settlements],” Revivi says in a statement.

Asked to elaborate, the Efrat mayor tells The Times of Israel that the US envoy was personally involved in initiating the policy change over the past few weeks and months.

Friedman is known for his close ties to the settlement movement. He served as the chairman of the American Friends of Beit El organization before becoming ambassador.

— Jacob Magid