Settler leaders hail Trump’s election victory with new wine label, call for ‘Golden Age of settlement’

Following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential elections, several Israeli politicians have been celebrating what they hope will be a return to more favorable treatment from the Trump administration. 

Some have even called for Israel to push ahead with controversial ideas, such as a declaration of sovereignty over all of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and an expansion of settlements in the territories.  

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir celebrated Trump’s election victory on Wednesday from the podium in the Knesset. 

Ben Gvir, who has been boycotted by the Biden administration, and even threatened with sanctions, called on the Knesset to congratulate Trump for the campaign victory. 

“First of all, let's start by congratulating the new U.S. President Donald Trump,” Ben Gvir said. 

He then continued, saying the coalition needs to take advantage of the situation while it has a president who will “see eye-to-eye” with them. 

“I think sir, that now is the time for sovereignty. Now is the time for total victory. Now is the time here in Israel to legislate the death penalty for terrorists. Different laws that no doubt the US President will see eye-to-eye with us on,” Ben Giver continued. “Congratulations to the State of Israel, and with God's help, [let’s continue] until total victory.” 

Two settler leaders agreed with Ben Gvir’s assessment. 

Israel Ganz, head of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organization of Jewish municipalities in Judea and Samaria, said that only annexing those areas would provide “true peace.” 

“The entire region is waiting for policies that will bring about stability and true peace,” Ganz said. “The path to there goes through the application of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.” 

Ganz made his comments at the Psagot Winery for the festive launch of a new wine label, “Trump,” named after the president-elect. 

Ganz also said, “The establishment of a Palestinian state must be completely off the agenda, as should sanctions against the settlements and the State of Israel, which serve the interests of the Axis of Evil.” 

Beit El Council head Shai Alon also said the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on settlers and settler organizations in Judea and Samaria should be lifted. 

“The incoming administration must immediately lift the false sanctions against the settlers. This is the time to declare sovereignty over Judea and Samaria," Alon said. 

Alon called Trump’s victory, “the golden age of settlement.” 

During his previous term, while Trump recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, he also reportedly warned Netanyahu not to declare sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, fearing such an action would disrupt progress on the Abraham Accords. 

Yaakov Berg, CEO and owner of Psagot Winery told Israel Hayom, "Precisely in these complex times, when the State of Israel is still fighting its enemies and losing its best sons, we thought it appropriate to celebrate and rejoice in the victory of a true friend and lover of Israel, President Trump. We all pray that the president's victory will bring closer the complete victory over our enemies and the speedy return of our sons and daughters to their homes.”