Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, who heads the National Union party, has criticized Jewish Home Party Chairman Naftali Bennett, who has not seen fit until now to begin talks on a union between the two parties. Ariel told Arutz Sheva, "Unfortunately, despite our efforts at unity, despite the promises that talks will be held, in practice this is not the situation, unfortunately. It is not because of me or because of the National Union but a second party is also needed."
Ariel declared that his party will not wait for the last minute, saying "We are not prepared for someone to hold us with some kind of uncertainty until the last minute at the time of the submission of the lists - and then we will meet urgently. There is no hope and benefit unless someone very much wants to harm the National Union. I do not believe there is anyone like that, and I think that there is an understanding that a significant national religious party is needed. Running together is good, both because of the value of unity and because of the electorate that it can bring."