Science Minister Ophir Akunis (Likud) took part in an annual ceremony commemorating former Ariel Mayor Ron Nahman.
During his talk, Akunis commented on the new European Union initiatives, including applying agreement only to the pre-1967 borders. "Precisely here, from Ariel, I am saying this to the European Union ministers. Nothing you do will remove us from our land. Stop preaching to us and threatening us. Don't label us and don't ostracize us. Learn from history and be ashamed!"
He added, "We will continue building and developing Israel, in all areas and for the benefit of all its citizens. Europe should begin dealing with its own real problems."