US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Israel today to approve the country’s new coalition government which is due to be sworn in tomorrow.
He was also expected to hold talks with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his new governing partner over controversial plans to annex substantial parts of the West Bank, including most Jewish settlements there and the Jordan Valley.
The proposals are seen as vital for future Israeli security but have caused anger across much of the Arab world.
Landing in Tel Aviv, Mr Pompeo headed to Jerusalem, receiving exemption from Israel’s two-week quarantine for arrivals due to the pandemic.
Israel’s annexation proposals have not been discussed by the Palestinian Authority — who have said they reject it anyway.
The plan is seen by President Donald Trump as vital for maintaining the loyalty of the pro-Israeli elements in his support through groups like Aipac — the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee — ahead of November’s election.
Israeli politicians have struggled to form a government with a parliamentary majority for over 14 months.
A further complication is the indictment of the veteran prime minister, now set to serve his fifth term, who is charged on three counts of bribery, corruption and breach of trust.
The supreme court decided Mr Netanyahu could lead a new government while facing prosecution. His trial is due to open on May 24. The process is expected to last more than a year.
The new government is a grand coalition led by 15 ministers from Mr Netanyahu’s Likud bloc and 10 or so from the opposition Blue and White group, led by Benny Gantz.
Under the coalition pact, Mr Gantz will take over as prime minister in 18 months. The annexation plan is due to be announced on June 1.
