Today, the Orthodox Union, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, applauded the United States Government’s common sense statement of position on Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria. The policy announcement made by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo says that “the establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank is not, per se, inconsistent with international law.”

Secretary Pompeo’s announcement was based on the review of a 1978 legal opinion, which had provided the basis for long-standing American policy. Secretary Pompeo further stated, “Calling the establishment of civilian settlements inconsistent with international law has not advanced the cause of peace. The hard truth is that there will never be a judicial resolution to the conflict.”

Orthodox Union President Mark (Moishe) Bane stated:
“We thank Secretary Pompeo and the Trump Administration for righting this wrong impression left by some prior Administrations that improperly classified these Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.”

Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament stated:
“This important policy statement has been necessary since the prior Administration and serves as a testament to the United States’ support of Israel, its most important ally in the Middle East.”