Netanyahu uses settlement pledge to get coalition support for prisoner release

Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to continue settlement building in return for support from coalition partners for the prisoner release deal. It named Housing Minister Uri Ariel, from Jewish Home Party, as one of those given the pledge.

The newspaper said that Netanyahu’s step was aimed at keeping Jewish Home in the government coalition. It noted that party members have objected to the release of Palestinian prisoners. Senior officials have confirmed the existence of such an agreement.

According to Maariv, an additional 1,000 settlement units are to be approved in the near future.