After almost a year-and-a-half and following three elections, a government has finally been established in Zion. One of the largest governments in Israel’s 72-year history, comprised of 36 ministers, was officially sworn in yesterday (May 17) at the Knesset marking the end to the country’s longest political stalemate. On the nascent government’s agenda are several key issues that have long-awaited attention, however, chief among them is the looming annexation of the Jordan Valley.

To many Israel supporters, annexing parts of the West Bank may seem like the obvious and necessary move for the Jewish state. However, there is a reason that no Israeli government in the 53 years of Israel’s control of the West Bank following its victory in the Six-Day War has sincerely pursued the application of Israeli law in Judea and Samaria. This is because there is a lot at stake concerning Israel’s security.

At this point in time, unilaterally annexing the West Bank appears to bear much more cost and risk than it...