Uri Ariel
Uri ArielYonatan Sindel/Flash90

Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel said in an Arutz Sheva interview Wednesday that the passing of the initial reading of the Nationality Law is an important phase for the Knesset.

"I welcome the fact that the law passed. These days there are people who threaten the Jewishness of the state and therefore we need a special law. I merited promoting the law in the ministerial legislative committee and I hope it will pass it's second and third readings during the summer session."

Ariel criticized the opposition's vote and said that "it's a shame the left went with the Arab parties. When I see [the Arab MKs] fuming, I know the law is important."

Ariel is unfazed by the reports that the US embassy may not be moving to Jerusalem. "I'm not one of those who rejoiced with Trump's election. I examine him according to his actions. Let's see his performance regarding construction in Judea and Samaria."

Ariel was asked whether the president would come to Israel with a prepared plan. He answered that "I don't get the impression that he has a plan. The main problem is that we don't have a plan. 'Two states for two nations' is not my plan or that of the government. The prime minister may have said this but we don't agree on this. This is a chance to present a plan of our own to the American president which will include annexation of area C in Judea and Samaria and strengthening economic cooperation in the region."

Ariel maintains that we don't need to be worried, but we need to be wary. It doesn't seem like he has a plan."

Ariel called on the prime minister to prepare an immediate solution for the people of Amona. "It is an impossible situation. They don't know where they'll live and are living in a room of 14 meters with 7 people in the room. I call on the prime minister to take responsibility and find a temporary solution until their permanent houses are constructed."