Minister of Transportation (Likud) Yisrael spoke with Israel Radio on Monday, 19 Tishrei 5774 following the fatal terror attack that claimed the life of a soldier in Hebron. Katz stated the time has come to reevaluate the policy of the government vis-à-vis the planned release of terrorists from Israelis prisons as negotiations between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) move ahead. Katz stated “I am not calling to halt the talks but I do believe that we cannot release additional terrorist under the current reality”.

He added “a terrorist’s place is in prison and the continued release of terrorists will only serve to further whet their appetite to carry out additional acts of terror to gain the release of others.”

The minister detailed how Israel continues working to improve the PA economy, to remove checkpoints and take many other measures to improve the day-to-day life of PA residents. However, he feels that Ehud Barak learned at the Camp David talks and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon learned over recent days that the other side is not on the same page. He stressed the significance of not compromising Israel’s sovereignty over areas amid a realization that acts of terror continue to take place.

Katz opposed the release of terrorists during the cabinet vote authorizing the move in an effort to restart the diplomatic process with the PA and vows to continue voting against their release in the future.

Katz added that the prime minister is not opposed to negotiating with the PA, but “there is a big difference between his position and that of Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who during election campaigning expressed her willingness to make significant concessions to the PA.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)