23 Government statement on recognition of three settlements- 26 July 1977

The Likud election platform declared that the entire historic Land of Israel is the inalienable heritage of the Jewish people, and that no part of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) should be handed over to foreign rule. Shortly after the elections to the Ninth Knesset, Mr. Begin visited Elon Moreh in Samaria and declared his support for additional settlements in that area. While in the U.S., the Prime Minister reiterated his view that Jews have the right to settle and live in every part of the country. Following Mr. Begin's return from the U.S., the Ministerial Committee on Settlements, conferred legal status on three settlements in the West Bank established during the previous government's term of office.