Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon on Wednesday caused a political stir with his remarks, labeling Israeli elitists and the radical left-wing Peace Now organization “a virus”. His remarks were condemned by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who called the statement “unacceptable”, adding the vice premier’s statement does not reflect government policy.

Ya’alon made his remarks while addressing the Jewish Leadership (Manhigut Yehudit) faction of Likud headed by Moshe Feiglin. Politicians have come out in support and condemnation of the senior minister’s statement.

Ya’alon stressed his opinion that Jews must be permitted to live anywhere in Eretz Yisrael, condemning the left-wing’s obsession with dismantling so-called unauthorized outposts. He rejected the usage of the term “illegal” and “unauthorized” in reference to outposts and communities throughout Yehuda and Shomron, calling on the government to complete the paperwork for the unauthorized outposts to make them totally legal rather than feeding the left-wing agenda of removing them.

While the Settlement Council expressed support for the minister’s remarks, members of the left-wing community are calling on the attorney general to launch an investigation against Ya’alon. Retired Meretz leader and former government minister Shulamit Aloni stated, Mussolini would be very proud of the minister’s statement.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)