MK (Bayit Yehudi) Ayelet Noked spoke with Israel Radio on Sunday afternoon, 14 Menachem Av 5773, asked to comment on her party’s continuing in the coalition amid talk of a renewed construction freeze and resumption of talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Shaked stated that the current members of the dati leumi party will not be silent and permit negotiations that include a construction freeze. Shaked stated with confidence that despite statements in the foreign media to the contrary, building in Yehuda and Shomron will continue for Bayit Yehudi is not about to tolerate a construction freeze.

When asked why the party does not pull out now if there is a building freeze in order to not repeat the mistakes of the administration prior to the 2005 expulsion from Gaza, she stated that Bayit Yehudi’s inclusion in the coalition at present is essential to safeguard the interests of the yishuvim. She stated that if and when policy reaches an unacceptable point, the party would not hesitate to leave the coalition if left without an alternative.

In another negotiating note, Meretz leader MK Zahava Gal-On stated in an Israel Radio interview on Sunday “I don’t think we can seriously talk about resuming negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority) if we are unwilling to pull back to the pre-1967 borders” highlighting the vast divide that exists between Israel’s political left and right-wing.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)