MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Meir Porush met with US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who is quoted as telling Porush, “The president of the US is determined on the matter of punishing Syria and he cannot afford to permit one who acts against the norms of the world to continue without paying the price.”

The meeting was held in Porush’s home, an annual event including lunch. The two discussed a number of issues including the current administration’s harsh anti-chareidi policies. Porush explained the realities of the drastic cuts in yeshiva funding and monthly child allowance payments as well as the ongoing effort to draft chareidim into the IDF. Regarding the resumption of talks between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority), Porush stated that from his perspective an agreement cannot be reached. The ambassador explained the need to continue negotiations but Porush stated he does not believe the talks can be productive and therefore he was not going to discuss the matter.

On the issue of Syria and a possible American military attack the ambassador stressed the determination of US President Barak Obama to punish Syria for the White House does not feel that one may use chemical weapons with impunity.

Porush explained fears among Israelis regarding Iran, based on the White House’s hesitation to act against Syria. He spoke of the president’s decision to seek approval from congress. “I do not know what is going on and I do not know if you know as the ambassador” Porush told Shapira, adding what remains for us to do is to be mispallel to HKBH.

Ambassador Shapira explained the president’s decision to turn to congress for approval is simply because Mr. Obama prefers to gain additional support prior to making the move.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)