The opening session featured remarks by United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett, and Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz.

Also, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo gave a recorded video message at the start of the Forum. In November, Pompeo announced that in view of the United States, the establishment of Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria does not contravene international law. The conference was held to explore the diplomatic, legal and policy aspects, of what was named The Pompeo Doctrine.

Ambassador Friedman was the first speaker, as he headed for the podium PM Netanyahu stood up and the audience followed while applauding enthusiastically.

Moshe Kopel of the Kohelet Forum introduced the Prime Minister. 

Included following are excerpts from Netanyahu's remarks, he began remembering his father's 100th birthday held at the Begin Center and the topic of Iran.

“Qassem Soleimani was responsible for the death of countless innocent people. He destabilized in many countries. For decades, he sowed fear and misery and anguish and he was planning much worse.

President Trump should be congratulated for acting swiftly, boldly and resolutely against this terrorist-in-chief who was the architect and driver of Iran's campaign of carnage and terror throughout the Middle East and throughout the world. What I am saying here today, openly, and what I have said in recent days, many, many leaders in the Middle East think. It is very important to say that Israel stands completely beside the United States. I once again want to say what I have said many times, and I repeat it today, and it is especially important today, America has no better friend than Israel and Israel has no better friend than the United States of America.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu added [translated from Hebrew]:

“In the Middle East, no day is like any other. The regional upheaval continues. The struggle between extremists and moderates continues unabated. On one side is radical Islam led by Iran, which seeks to grasp large sections of the area by means of murderous terrorism, and to grasp, strangle and eliminate us, because they understand that the strongest force of Western culture is here, in the State of Israel. They understand this very well.

On the other side is the pragmatic camp that is threatened by Islamic extremists. This camp well understands the campaign for existence, for life and for the future. The State of Israel is the anchor of stability in these stormy waters. The challenges that we are dealing with are not lessening – on the contrary. Nevertheless, we stand steadfast against those who seek our lives. We stand determined and strong. Whoever tries to attack us will receive a crushing blow in return.”

George Mason University  Professor Eugene Konrovitch, also from the Kohelet Policy Forum spoke on legality and international recognition. 

Speakers for the afternoon sessions which were open to the public included former Jerusalem Mayor MK Nir Barkat, former Ambassador Dore Gold, former Canadian Ambassador Vivian Bercovici.

Topics included consequences on the ground, Israel's position in the world view, and a discussion with international law experts moderated by Moria Elimelech of the Kohelet Policy Forum.

Included in the audience were former Members of Knesset, heads of policy non-profits, Nitsana Darshan-Leitner of Shurat HaDin, and leaders of various communities in Judea & Samaria and Gush Etzion.