The Jordan Valley is an “inseparable part of the State of Israel”, the Education Minister Naftali Bennett said on Thursday.

Speaking at the inauguration of his party’s office in the occupied Palestinian territory, the Jewish Home leader said: “The Jordan Valley will always be an inseparable part of the State of Israel, and it is of strategic importance to the security of the state, and I am very happy that we are planting roots in it.”

The party’s Director General, Nir Orbach, added:

We see great importance in strengthening the settlement in the Jordan Valley.

The right-wing party’s office was opened in the illegal Shadmot Mehola settlement in the occupied Jordan Valley. Israel’s Justice Minister and Jewish Home party member Ayelet Shaked was amongst those present at the inauguration.

An area of approximately 400 square kilometres, the Jordan Valley lies along the River Jordan. It is 200-400 metres below sea level.

Read: Israel to approve budget for illegal settlements in Palestinian territory