Being pro-Israel means knowing that the settlements are not Israel

Britain, France and Canada announced they are advancing a ban on trade in settlement products. The article argues that the distinction between Israel and the settlements is legally and factually correct, and that Israel never annexed Judea and Samaria. However, the foreign move actually strengthens opponents of separation and weakens supporters of the two-state solution.

Britain, France and Canada announced their intention to advance a ban on trade in settlement products, a move they say is meant to protect the two-state solution. The article argues that the distinction between sovereign Israel and Judea and Samaria is legally and factually correct: Israel never annexed the territory, Israeli law does not apply there, and the Oslo Accords still organize relations with the Palestinian Authority. The author, founder of a strategic firm, analyzes the positions of various parties and warns that the foreign move, less than seven weeks before the elections, actually strengthens opponents of separation and weakens supporters of partition. He states that being pro-Israel means distinguishing between Israel and the settlements, and not automatically supporting every government policy.