Minister of the Economy Naftali Bennett was interviewed on Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), speaking about ongoing peace-making efforts between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority). Bennett was speaking from Indonesia, where he is attending an economic conference, the first visit by an Israeli cabinet minister since the so-called Second Intifada. The conference is hosted by the World Trade Organization.

Bennett’s interview preceded a meeting in Yerushalayim between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State John Kerry. He was asked to comment on expected US demands to relax restrictions on PA residents are border crossings to Jordan and for Israel to take additional means towards accommodating various PA demands.

Bennett:

Has the PA recognized the State of Israel since my departure? Am I missing something?

Let’s say we oust 150,000 people from their homes, that we divide Yerushalayim, that we give away Yehuda, Shomron and the Jordan Valley. Let’s say there is an end to all PA demands. There are still 1.5 million residents of Gaza who do not accept Abu Mazen, his demands or agreements. What happens then after we have given away the store? Bayit Yehudi is working to prevent additional Oslo type agreements.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)