Nike came up with a great expression used in all of their advertisements that has had a profound influence on the world. Their motto is “Just do it”. I say to the State of Israel and to the U.S. Administration in reference to applying Sovereignty over Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley, “Just do it”. This is the right time. The longer one waits the more the naysayers have time to apply pressure and make trouble.
If one looks back at the move of the Embassy to Jerusalem and the annexation of the Golan Heights, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu did not allow the critics enough time to complain publically and gain steam. They just flat out did it. Once done there was barely a whimper from all the various factions now entering the fray.
Prime Netanyahu’s announcement that he was holding off even though the process was supposed to begin on July 1st just took some wind out of Sovereignty’s sails. I hope, not for too long.
It is important to point out that all of the opposing forces have ulterior motives. Once Sovereignty is applied to Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley all of these will stop flexing their Laryngeal muscles.
Let’s start with the Gulf Oil States. Thus far only the UAE has piped up and publically criticized “Annexation”.
By far and away the overriding concern and fear of Iran dictates how the Gulf States behave vis a vis Israel. Once “Sovereignty” is done the dependence on Israel and the U.S. for protection against Iranian Aggression will rule the day. Therefore, there is no need to worry about Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, or Oman causing getting in the way.
As far as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and her comrades blasting Israel, what else is new? She jumps on the Anti-Israel bandwagon every chance she gets. The majority of Democrats do not agree with her on Israel. This could conceivably change. It is even more reason to get the job done now while Israel has the most gracious, most giving, and most sympathetic U.S. President in the White House ever.
As far as Defense Minister Benny Gantz, he had agreed to extending Sovereignty as part of his working agreement with Prime Minister Netanyahu going into the Unity talks. Although, he seems to be backing off and attaching conditions like saying King Abdullah of Jordan has to agree, General Gantz will eventually have to fulfill his promise. He fully well knows that Prime Minister Netanyahu will not hesitate to call for a 4th election.
Then comes Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is a true friend of Israel. I believe his opposition to “Annexation” is based purely upon his power struggles post Covid 19 in Great Britain. He lost significant power as a result of the Coronavirus and he is trying to shore up support in a country which has many who despise Israel no matter what including a heavy Muslim population.
As far as President Trump is concerned applying Sovereignty now can only help him in his bid to be re-elected.
For starters it will continue his legacy of fulfilling all that his predecessors failed to do vis a vis Israel and should have done. His unwavering support of Israel will be one of his greatest crowning achievements of his Presidency. Applying Sovereignty just makes his case that much stronger.
Although the New York Times (6/23/20) downplays the significance in the Evangelical World of “Annexation”, that is very far from the truth. “Annexation” will fire up his Evangelical Base like nobody’s business. He needs them to come out to vote like never before.
It will also increase his support among Jewish voters. Although the President has overwhelming support among Orthodox voters, his strong Pro-Israel moves have caught the attention of quite a few Non-Orthodox voters in key battleground States.
Just as Mayor Rudy Giuliani did in New York City when he captured 60% of the Jewish vote in 1993 and was able to push it to 72% in 1997 because of his Pro-Israel stand, I believe the President can certainly improve from 24% of the Jewish vote in 2016 to a much higher percentage this time around. The Jewish vote can tip the balance in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. “Annexation” or Sovereignty as I would like to call it can indeed provide the impetus and momentum for President Trump to triumph in November.
Please, “Just do it”.