Settler leaders meet with PM amid ‘tense period that’s not over yet”

7 June 2017, 8:21 pm

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Settler leaders meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid what they call a “tense period” in relations with the government.

The heads of West Bank regional councils say they pushed for the sit-down following what they view as an insufficient number of settlement construction projects in the West Bank which is “stifling” the natural growth of Jewish communities.

“This meeting comes after a tense period that’s not over yet,” Shilo Adler, Yesha Council chairman, says after the meeting.

Settler leaders outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem after a meeting with Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu. (Jacob Magid/Times of Israel) — Settler leaders outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem after a meeting with Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu. (Jacob Magid/Times of Israel)

Shomron Regional Council chair Yossi Dagan says in a statement that there was a “positive atmosphere” in the meeting but he expects to see changes in the government’s policy.

Asked if he was disappointed by recent talk of peace negotiations spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, Adler says the idea was pointless as “there is no technical possibility today to set up a Palestinian state.”

— with Jacob Magid