Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan declare opposition to Israeli sovereignty plans

(JNS) — France, Germany, Egypt and Jordan declared that they would not recognize any moves on Israel’s part to extend sovereignty to the Jordan Valley, and parts of Judea and Samaria.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the German Foreign Ministry following a joint video conference on the issue, the foreign ministers of the four countries stated: “We exchanged views on the current state of the Middle East Peace Process and its regional implications. We concur that any annexation of Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 would be a violation of international law and imperil the foundations of the peace process. We would not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders that are not agreed by both parties in the conflict.”

The statement continued: “We also concur that such a step would have serious consequences for the security and stability of the region, and would constitute a major obstacle to efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just peace. It could also have consequences for the relationship with Israel. We underline our firm commitment to a negotiated two-state-solution based on international law and the relevant U.N. resolutions. We discussed how to re-start a fruitful engagement between the Israeli and the Palestinian side, and offer our support in facilitating a path to negotiations.”

The statement was referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated intention to begin applying Israeli law to parts of the territory in question, in accordance with U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Peace to Prosperity” plan that was unveiled in January at the White House.

Also on Tuesday, Netanyahu announced that he had spoken on the phone on Monday night with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, during the conversation, Netanyahu “made it clear that Israel is prepared to conduct negotiations on the basis of President Trump’s peace plan, which is both creative and realistic, and will not return to the failed formulas of the past.”

In addition, the two agreed to strengthen bilateral relations in a range of fields, especially to deepen cooperation in the battle against the coronavirus.