Following reports that the United States is demanding that Israel stop construction outside blocs of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel told Israel Defense Forces Radio on Thursday that the Jewish Home party would not sit in a government that froze construction.
Ariel expressed opposition to the US demand, warning, "The moment you allow this foothold to freeze construction, tomorrow it will also extend to the blocs." Asked, "You will not sit in a government that freezes outside the blocs?" Ariel responded, "That's what you said." Asked, "And you confirmed that?" Ariel admited, "Correct."