Minister Gideon Saar
Minister Gideon SaarFlash 90

Israel must not make concessions that could undermine national interests for the sake of public relations, Education Minister Gidon Saar warned Thursday, speaking at a Rosh Hashana toast sponsored by the Samaria (Shomron) regional council.

“We have reached a situation of stability, after years without… We must continue to stand firm, we cannot give up our rights over the land of Israel for a few minutes of publicity,” he said.

Saar cast doubt on claims that Israel will suffer for standing firm in the face of Palestinian Authority demands. “Some of the political commentaries were clearly prepared in advance, and have no connection to reality. Commentators said we would be isolated from the United States and the President of the United States said otherwise.”

“What we must do now,” Saar said, “is to stand together at this time. It is a very important time, there are times that are of great diplomatic importance if not of military importance.” He called on the Opposition to avoid criticizing Israel’s government at this time, and to focus instead on the danger of the PA’s methods, which could set a precedent of creating international conflict out of bi-national issues.

As for the PA, Saar said, “It is clear and obvious now that the Palestinians are demanding a state, not in order to solve the conflict, but in order to continue the conflict from a better standing.”