At a Likud faction meeting in Knesset, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon backed IDF Central District Commander Major-General Nitzan Alon, who last week said he fears if negotiations between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) don’t get underway soon, the security situation in Yehuda and Shomron is likely to deteriorate.

Alon made his comments to foreign diplomats, coming under fire from the right-wing, which accused him of abusing his authority by publically stating a political opinion. Supporters of Alon explained his words were nothing more than a military assessment of the situation and not a political analysis.

Ya’alon explains to faction members that Alon did not mention a word regarding US Secretary of State John Kerry’s efforts, his imminent arrival or the diplomatic process. The defense minister explained Alon responded appropriately to a question posed to him.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)