Industry Trade and Labor Minister Eli Yishai, chairman of the Shas party and a government coalition partner, responded negatively to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's announcement that Israel is conducting indirect talks with Syria. "Syria still is an evil country and we have to ask if it is desirable to allow our northern border to be part of the evil axis" of Iran, Syria and Hizbullah.
 
The Shas leader said he does not understand what has changed that cause the Prime Minister to make the announcement. "He in the past has said that we should not hold talks with Syria so long as Damascus does not change its policies." We should not allow our security to be in the hands of Hizbullah," which is supported by Syria, Minister Yishai stated.