Amid reports that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has agreed to renew negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority) regarding settlement blocs in Yehuda and Shomron, Minister of Agriculture (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel stated “If these rumors are true, this proposal is a dangerous precedent that clearly contradicts the first clause of the coalition guidelines regarding to the Jewish People’s unquestionable right to the Land of Israel, to a sovereign state and a national historic homeland”. Ariel added “I expect all components of the coalition to adhere to the guidelines, first and foremost the prime minister”.

Ariel was responding to a report appearing in Haaretz which reported on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and European Union Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, during which the prime minister expressed Israel’s commitment to the two-state solution.

“Israeli sources” are quoted adding that the prime minister promised the senior EU official that it is understood many of the yishuvim today throughout Yehuda and Shomron will have to be expelled to accommodate the establishment of the State of Palestine.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)