U.S. Rep. Alan Clemmons: I believe that if Israel declares sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, the President would support it.
During his most recent visit in Israel, South Carolina Rep. and friend of the Sovereignty Movement Alan Clemmons gave an interview to the Makor Rishon newspaper of December 27,2019, in which he shared some of his opinions on the future of Judea and Samaria and the Jewish connection to the heart of the Land.
As may be recalled, Clemmons led the change to the Republican Party’s platform in deleting the clause naming the two state outline as a necessary part of a final arrangement between Israel and the Arabs. In the interview he explained that he would support any plan that Israel chooses, whether it be one state or two, but he understands that it is not his role to draw a roadmap for Israel.
He says that the current American administration is open to discussions on the subject of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley. “Within the administration there is generally a positive approach to the security advantages that sovereignty in the Jordan Valley would provide for Israel”, he says.
Clemmons notes that history teaches that his party has honored any decision of Israeli sovereignty. I believe that if Israel declares sovereignty it would continue to see support from the President”.
About Pompeo’s declaration of the legality of the Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria Clemmons tells Hodaya Karish-Hazony: “It gives the Israeli leadership the ethical power to respond to what I see as the life of “occupation”. When Israel is called an occupier, this is a code word; the code implies that Israel has stolen land that belongs to others and that she must return it. This is not correct regarding Judea and Samaria. Israel’s homeland is in Judea and Samaria. The Jews have every right to build their home in their historic homeland”.
According to Clemmons’ opinion and belief, if Israel applies her sovereignty in Judea and Samaria she would find that the Arabs of Judea and Samaria are also interested in this. He bases his words on discussions with Arab figures. “The question of the future status of the Arabs if sovereignty is applied is Israel’s decision”, he says, stating that it is not his job to deal with it. “I believe that views are changing among the Arab residents of Judea and Samaria. They want to work in Israel, and in my opinion, if a fair referendum is held among them, the results would show that they prefer Israeli rule to PA rule”.
Clemmons emphasizes that he “speaks with Arabs. They are very cautious in how they word things because they are afraid of the PA, which is a very justified fear. My point of view is that the PA is a bad actor. There are Arab residents in Judea and Samaria who want to be able to provide for their families and live with the Jewish population. They want fair governance that will allow them to live freely and have a good livelihood”.
The co-chairwomen of the Sovereignty Movement, Yehudit Katsover and Nadia Matar, reinforce Clemmons’ words, noting that “Rep. Clemmons’ has held this strong position for years, even when it required great political and diplomatic courage to hold those views. His energetic activity formed the basis for the Trump administration’s change in the U.S. attitude toward Judea and Samaria”.
“These remarks by Clemmons, a true friend of the Jewish People, prove once again that the path of sovereignty depends, first and foremost, on the Israeli government, and when she decides to advance it she will have backing from the administration in the White House. This is why the Prime Minister and members of his government must seize the political opportunity that is open to them to carry out the historic step ad not let it slip through their hands”.