Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz on Thursday 20 Shevat spoke with Kol Chai Radio. Katz commented on Wednesday’s first meeting in the White House between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

He explained that the US policy under President Trump will be different and Israel will resume construction in areas in which a building freeze was observed under former US President Barak Obama. Katz feels there should be construction without limitations throughout Yerushalayim, Yehuda and Shomron.

Katz favors revitalizing the law that was buried about a decade ago, in favor of annexing Maale Adumim, Gush Etzion, Betar Illit and Pisgat Ze’ev, a move that would add a minimum of an additional 200,000 residents to the capital. He favors this plan, which he explains “significantly adds to the Jewish presence in the capital without moving a single Arab”.

Regarding ongoing investigations into PM Netanyahu, Katz wishes him well. He added it is known that “B’ezras Hashem, after Netanyahu steps down as party leader” he will be among the contenders vying for the slot.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)