Min. Naftali Bennett
Min. Naftali BennettIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett left no room for doubt regarding his opposition to remarks made by Israeli President Shimon Peres during Sunday's World Economic Forum in Jordan.

Peres, who has in the past been criticized for overstepping his jurisdiction in what is a largely symbolic role, urged an immediate return to negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on the basis of a "Two-State Solution" which would see Israel cede control over the strategically and historically important territories of Judea and Samaria.

In a clear departure from the position of many within the Israeli government and most of its population, according to recent polls, Peres referred to PA chairman Mahmud Abbas as Israel's "partner for peace" - a judgement which many Israelis will regard with disdain given the PA's continued support for and incitement of terrorism and anti-Semitism.

Minister Bennett responded in no uncertain terms at a Bayit Yehudi faction meeting, stating that "this is the time to say this is our land and it's not for sale" and observing that "every time we give up land, people are killed."