Former Shas party leader Eli Yishai released a statement to the media regarding the deal made to bring Yisrael Beitenu into the coalition and the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as Defense Minister.

Yishai was critical of Lieberman, who was quick to announce his support for the two-state solution, the establishment of the State of Palestine.

Yishai said “As expected, Lieberman supports the division of Yerushalayim and the turning over Arab villages to the Palestinians which are under Hamas control as is clear to everyone. This places the State of Israel in the 15-second range for rocket attacks and he declares support for the two-state solution and picks up the gauntlet to [Egyptian President Abdel Fattah] al-Sisi’s initiative to promote a political process that will return Israel to the pre-1967 borders, a disaster for Israel”.

He added “all that surprised me is that he said it all in one breath, immediately after being sworn into office”.

Yishai concluded “For now, we must wait to permit Lieberman to make good on his word, to bring back the bodies of IDF soldiers Sgt. Oron Shaul HY”D and Lt. Hadar Goldin HY”D within 48 hours. We are willing to wait 48 hours”.

Lieberman recently stated if and when he is appointed Defense Minister he will give Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh 48 hours to return the bodies or find a place to bury himself for he will have him eliminated if he does not return the bodies.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)