Israeli MPs say plans to demolish Palestinian homes in Jerusalem hinders talks

Israel’s Minister of Internal Security has been criticised by the head of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee for the timing of his announcement that Palestinian homes in Jerusalem will continue to be demolished. Tzachi Hanegbi said that the announcement was made “at the worst possible moment” just after the launch of indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

In an interview on Hebrew radio on May 13, Hanegbi said, “Israel has issued a valid statement at the worst possible moment, when we need to refrain from creating obstacles to the negotiation process every time it starts to move forward.”

Another Knesset member, Haim Oron, said that Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch’s announcement was “intended to create a new crisis to hinder the negotiations.”

This was denied by Likud MP Ophir Akunis, who refused to accuse Israelis of hindering the talks. In his view, “The Palestinians are the ones who refuse to enter into direct negotiations with Israel.” There is no need, he added, to have bombastic declarations, but what is necessary should be implemented without delay.

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