Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin stated that Israel is not seeking a conflict with the new American administration but on the other hand, Israel cannot comply with US demands that are contrary to the national consensus. He added that even among the Kadima opposition party, he believes there is agreement to continue building and developing certain “settlements” including Maale Adumim and Ariel.

The speaker criticized left-wing lobbyists who tried to influence Capitol Hill and the White House ahead of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s visit, adding we must be truly concerned in the Geneva initiative or Peace Now activists are running the show.

Kadima’s MK Yoel Hasson also criticized the left-wing organizations, but he blames the current administration for its failure to announce a formalized political plan, leaving the window open for the mounting criticism against Israel from the international community.

MK Ofir Pines of Labor state “the government has reached the moment of truth, to decide if it prefers relations with the American government or the illegal settlements. The issue of natural growth in communities is a bluff, and the White House is aware of this.”

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)