David Elhayani
David ElhayaniPenny Elimeleh

A rift has emerged within the Yesha Council over council chairman David Elhayani's criticism of US President Donald Trump and the American peace plan, Channel 13 News reported.

Following Elhayani's remarks and the subsequent criticism he received from Prime Minister Netanyahu, a furor erupted on the Yesha Council's internal Whatsapp group, where several community leaders called on Elhayani to resign.

"Chairman of the Yesha Council, until now," wrote one. "How long will he make us look bad with harsh and blunt words towards the prime minister, the head of his office, and the team of 'liars,' as you called them in the recorded ZOOM meeting, towards your own council members - and now to Trump and his representatives with harsh and blatant words."

"You do not represent me and in my opinion the majority in the council as well. Even if you disagree with the positions of the prime minister or the Americans, you cannot do so in a way that disgraces the organization and us," he added. "I'm sorry that the members are silent, but most of them think like me - that you don't deserve to represent us and lead the organization that is so precious to us."

Later, another harsh statement was written against the Yesha Council chairman: "Prime Minister and Director of his office 'Liars', Knesset Speaker 'Snake', Trump 'Enemy of Israel'. David Elhayani, please release us from this inappropriate representation which is not good for you or us and resign immediately from your position," one of the group members wrote. "Dear friends, the silence is not doing any good for us. We look bad in the Israeli public and among the Yishuv residents and allow a struggling minority who heads it to degrade the very hard-earned reputation we earned over many years. David, resign!"

One council member responded to these harsh comments, saying: "It is important for me to say that, as far as I am concerned, Chairman David has all the backing for this significant struggle for the future of the Land of Israel, and there are no games and we must not be nice. Sharon has destroyed Gush Katif for us. The sour candy can destroy us all of the Land of Israel," the supporter added. "Even if my style is not like David's style, I appreciated his firm stance, which is critical, important and meaningful in order to win this campaign."

The furor erupted after Elhayani refused to back down from his statements against Netanyahu and Trump.

“If someone comes to me with a cake while holding a gun to my head will I just take some cake and then say goodbye?” Elhayani told Galei Tzahal Thursday,. “My duty is to save us from the existential threats.”

A day earlier, Elhayani came under fire for his comments on the Trump administration, including his claim that the Trump Administration “does not have Israel’s security and settlement interests in mind" and that “the only thing they’re concerned about regarding the plan is promoting their own interests ahead of the upcoming election.”

President Trump and Jared Kushner, continued Elhayani Wednesday, “are not friends of the State of Israel.”