Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Education Minister Naftali Bennett, both of the Bayit Yehudi party, have announced they will not support the deal between Israel and Turkey to resume diplomatic relations. The deal includes monetary compensation to Turkey for the members of the Marvi Mamara flotilla who were killed during the IDF navy commando raid on the ship.

Based on statements made to Yisrael Beitenu faction members earlier in the week, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has signaled his position on resuming ties with Turkey has not changed, indicating he will not be backing the deal either. That said, there is a sufficient number of cabinet ministers backing the deal to ratify it.

Correction: YWN-ISRAEL earlier in the week reported Israel will pay NIS 21 million in compensation for the victims. The amount should have read $21 million.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)