Sovereignty movement urges Netanyahu government to extend Israeli rule before elections

At a Thursday conference titled "Victory Generation Brings Sovereignty," the Sovereignty Movement called on the Israeli government to seize the current political moment and apply Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. The group said it is trying to enlist teenagers in order to increase pressure on the government ahead of the elections.

Co-chair Yehudit Katsover told Channel 7 that the goal is to mobilize young people and that a special survey conducted before the conference showed broad public support. She said, "We are calling on the youth to act," and added, "The people of Israel are with us and most want sovereignty." Katsover cited support levels of 82% among traditional voters, 85% among national-religious voters and 96% among Haredim. She also said 87% of Likud supporters back the move, along with 91% of voters for Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit and Shas.

According to Katsover, the public understands more than ever, perhaps because of October 7, that sovereignty must be applied and "this saga" that began in the Six-Day War must end. She said people are ready for sovereignty because they believe it would bring stability, security and reinforce the message that "this land is ours."

Co-chair Nadia Matar said the struggle is not only over hills and farms in Judea and Samaria, but also over public opinion. She said the movement wants its youth to become "soldiers of the Land of Israel" in the fight for awareness, using social media, the Knesset, media commentary and street activism. Matar said the youth understand that pressure from below can move the issue forward, and urged leaders to act "before the elections" for "Israeli sovereignty from the sea to the Jordan."