According to Minister of Transportation, National Infrastructure & Road Safety (Likud) Yisrael Katz, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is punishing him for voting against the release of Arab terrorists from prison. Katz, viewed as a Netanyahu loyalist, is about to lose one of his portfolios, national infrastructure, and he explains this is to punish him for voting against the release of terrorists, the good-will gesture coinciding with the resumption of diplomatic talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Speaking to the media, Katz remains firm in his principles, stating the retaliatory move by the prime minister will not deter him from voting against the “release of murderers of Jews in the future as I did this time.”

Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office insist this is not the case, stating the decision to take away one of Katz’s ministerial portfolios was made before the 28 July 2013 cabinet vote to release terrorists.

Katz told Israel Radio on Thursday, 16 Elul 5773 that it is not proper that the cabinet will discuss this at the upcoming meeting on Sunday when his colleagues are aware he will be out of the country on state business.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)