The daily Yisrael Hayom newspaper reported on Sunday 20 Sivan that sources close to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu commented the decision not to invite Mr. Netanyahu to the memorial service for the three youths murdered in Gush Etzion last year was “insensitive and disrespectful”.

The official Unity Event was held in the President’s Residence last week and Mr. Netanyahu was not among the dignitaries taking part.

Quoting officials in the Prime Minister’s Office stating “This is disrespectful and insensitive, not only toward the prime minister but also toward the boys’ families, who also expressed surprise that Netanyahu wasn’t present,” adding persons close to the prime minister are furious. It appears President Rivlin’s staff did not invite the prime minister, which some believe was intentional due to the tensions between them.

In a related matter, Mrs. Sara Netanyahu on erev Shabbos 18 Sivan visited the mothers of Gilad Shar, Naftali Frenkel and Eyal Yifrach HY”D marking the one-year anniversary of their abduction/murders. The prime minister’s wife thanked the mothers for their efforts which unified the nation during the most difficult period.

The President’s Residence said in response that “the President’s Residence just hosted the event, which wasn’t its initiative — but rather the initiative of the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gesher nonprofit organization. The president was not involved with the content or with which guests were invited.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)