At a Likud faction meeting in Knesset, Defense Minister Moshe Ya�alon backed IDF Central District Commander Major-General Nitzan Alon, who last week said�he fears if negotiations between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) don�t get underway soon, the security situation in Yehuda and Shomron is likely to deteriorate.

Alon made his comments to foreign diplomats, coming under fire from the right-wing, which accused him of abusing his authority by publically stating a political opinion. Supporters of Alon explained his words were nothing more than a military assessment of the situation and not a political analysis.

Ya�alon explains to faction members that Alon did not mention a word regarding US Secretary of State John Kerry�s efforts, his imminent arrival or the diplomatic process. The defense minister explained Alon responded appropriately to a question posed to him.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)