Israel Gantz Receives 'Covenant Award,' Urges Trump to Recognize Sovereignty in West Bank

Israel Gantz, head of the Benjamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, was honored with the "Covenant Award" by the All Nations Convocation in Jerusalem. The award was presented during a summit of Christian government leaders, attended by parliament members, government representatives, and global leaders.

The organization cited Gantz's "dedicated leadership and unwavering support for the residents and communities of Judea and Samaria" and his commitment to "the covenant of the God of Israel and the defense of Judea and Samaria." Gantz received the award from Tom Hess, the organization's founder and president.

In his acceptance speech, Gantz addressed U.S. President Donald Trump's policies toward Israel, referencing the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. "Mr. President, the work is not finished," Gantz stated, urging Trump to take a further step by recognizing Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. He argued that such a move would resolve a long-standing issue and encourage other nations to follow suit, emphasizing that the "timing is never right" for opponents of recognition.

Gantz dedicated the award to the 85,000 residents of Benjamin and the soldiers protecting them, stating it represents a generation that "decided to stop apologizing for returning home." This recognition follows Gantz's recent inclusion in The Jerusalem Post's list of the 50 most influential Jews worldwide.

The Benjamin Regional Council highlighted these accolades as part of Gantz's international outreach efforts, aimed at fostering global support for Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, strengthening settlements, and countering boycotts and delegitimization campaigns, while also advancing local development initiatives.