Science Minister: Housing Minister 'Sabotaging' Peace Talks

Science and Technology Minister Jacob Perry (Yesh Atid) on Wednesday lashed out at Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel (Habayit Hayehudi) in the wake of the announcement of tenders for the construction of 24,000 new homes in West Bank settlements.

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“It’s unfortunate that [Ariel] chooses to invest in the territories rather than focusing his efforts on his many tasks, such as the housing crisis within the Green Line,” Perry told Haaretz. “Instead of addressing skyrocketing prices and ways to make it easier for young couples to buy a home he prefers to build in the settlements,” Perry said.

Perry said Ariel’s moves undermine efforts to advance the negotiations with the Palestinians and to mobilize world opinion against Iran as well as the talks with the European Union on scientific collaboration.

“Ariel’s announcement regarding the new tenders came as Prime Minister Netanyahu is conducting an all-out war across the globe on the Iran issue,” Perry said, adding, “Calling it ill-timed would be a compliment. I can’t see into the depths of his soul. He’s a veteran minister and a seasoned politician. I can only conclude that this was deliberate.”