HaYovel Operations Director and The Israel Guys co-host Joshua Waller discusses the recent decision, and what could result from it.
There could be more uneasiness between Israel and the United States, based on a recent statement made by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Right before the weekend, Blinken announced a reversal on a position surrounding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, one that had been in place since the Trump era. Blinken noted that Israel’s attempt to create new settlements are “inconsistent with international law,” or illegal.
“Our administration maintains firm opposition to settlement expansion,” Blinken explained at a press conference. “In our judgment, this only weakens — it doesn’t strengthen — Israel’s security.”
This follows Israel’s previous announcement to build 3,000 new settlement homes following an attack by Palestinian gunmen near the Maale Adumim settlement – one that left one Israeli dead and five others injured. The plan would be “deepening our eternal grip on the entire land of Israel,” according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
White House spokesman John Kirby added, “We are simply reaffirming the fundamental conclusion that these settlements are inconsistent with international law. This is a position that has been consistent over a range of Republican and Democratic administrations — if there’s an administration that is being inconsistent, it was the previous one.”
So where does the deal go from here, and how will this affect the relationship between the United States and Israel?
Joining us now to discuss this further is Joshua Waller. He serves as Operations Director for HaYovel, a group that specializes in calling for volunteers to assist with needs within Israel. He is also a co-host of The Israel Guys, and spends quite a bit of time discussing the good report of the Land within the United States. His expertise on all things Israel make him a great subject for this interview. Welcome, Joshua.
Q&A:
- What’s your take on Blinken’s statement surrounding Israel wanting to move into the settlement into West Bank?
- Is this even the proper time to announce the development of new homes, when the battle between Israel and Hamas is still ongoing?
- So what happens now? Will Israel respond to the United States’ terms, or will they try to proceed with their development in some other way?
- What kind of effect will this have on the relationship between Israel and the United States? And, for that matter, will it also affect your ongoing “Israel cowboys” project?
- What is your company, HaYovel, currently doing in an effort to help people in Israel?
- Where can people learn more about the efforts made by HaYovel?
- You can visit the official website at https://serveisrael.com/).
- Tell us about your show The Israel Guys By HaYovel, and the topics you discuss on the show.
- Where can people go if they want to give The Israel Guys a listen?
- You can visit the official website at https://theisraelguys.com/podcasts/.
About Joshua Waller…
Joshua Waller is the third oldest of the 11 Waller children. He first came to Israel when he was 14 years old with his family, and felt the Land and her people grip his heart. Since then, he has been actively involved in field operations in Israel.
At a young age, Joshua took on and managed the Harvest and Pruning trip operations. Now, Joshua works as HaYovel’s Operations Director. He enjoys the logistical puzzle of working out the details of programs and events. He also loves the opportunity to communicate to the HaYovel staff and every volunteer he meets in Israel and the nations with the message of God’s restoration for Israel.
Joshua also co-hosts The Israel Guys show and speaks across the United States and around the world. Joshua loves to share a good report of the Land with everyone he meets, in the same spirit as his biblical namesake.
In 2016, Joshua found and married the love of his life, Katelyn, in their most favorite place on earth—the vineyards of Israel. To date, they have three beautiful girls. Joshua and Katelyn are passionate to see the Land of Israel become green again and the nations take part in Israel’s redemption. The two love working together as a team and praise the Father that their life’s calling is to get to be a part of building up the Land and people of Israel.
CONTACT: To schedule an interview, contact Jerry McGlothlin of Special Guests PR Agency at 919-437-0001 or geraldmcg@outlook.com.
