Maale Adumim Mayor Benny Kashriel spoke to Kol Chai Radio on Sunday morning 7 Adar after it was announced the bill to annex the city was placed on hold again.

With calls from MKs and ministers in both Likud and Bayit Yehudi, amid a national consensus supporting the move, the cabinet once again did not discuss the matter at Sunday’s weekly cabinet meeting on 7 Adar. The annexations of Maale Adumim was to have been on the agenda, but at the behest of PM Netanyahu, the ministers agreed to another delay.

Kashriel, a well-seasoned politician fell short of criticizing the prime minister, explained “The situation is a complicated one and I understand Prime Minister Netanyahu”, adding he is willing to wait another week and then the matter will be addressed as promised. Kashriel explained he realizes that of late, the Prime Minister was traveling to a number of nations and annexing his city carries with it some complications vis-à-vis the international diplomatic community, hence his loyalty and understanding towards Mr. Netanyahu. However, he stated there is a limit.

When asked if he trusts MKs from Likud and Betzalel Smotrich of Bayit Yehudi, he totally ignored Smotrich and stated “I trust Likud and the Prime Minister entirely.” He explained that in addition, as Prime Minister Menachem Begin annexed the Golan Heights, Mr. Netanyahu wants to secure his place in history and he has no doubt he will make the move to annex Maale Adumim in the near future.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)