Shas party leader Minister Aryeh Deri spoke with Ynet, addressing calling to annex Yehuda and Shomron as part of the State of Israel in response to recent current events.

Deri explained “nothing will be done prior to President-elect Donald Trump entering office and we will coordinate every step with him. The key is the Palestinians must know this and that peace cannot be achieved without direct negotiations, without intermediaries and without prior conditions on either side.

“The best way to reach agreement with the other side is to act with approval. We must live together in this land, and this is a reality and we must do everything possible and exploit opportunity that did not present itself until now unfortunately, because the Palestinians received a boost from Europe and the US. I hope that now they understand that a new administration and commander are entering. They will realize the best way it to sit one on one at the table to reach arrangements to live together”.

Regarding the recent passing of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, Deri added that everything will change on January 20th, the date Donald Trump assumes office. “We are not cutting relations with any country, but we are simple doing the natural thing” he added, stating “they harmed us, knocked us down and acted towards us unequally, so should we smile and say all’s well? The Prime Minister of the Ukraine gave us a slap so is it ‘come and visit all are welcome?’ We must announce and show that we have been hurt – it is our honor but we are not chas v’sholom cutting ties with anyone. We are trying to prevent the next step since we are aware this is not the end”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)