The various factions of the National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu party have decided not to leave the government at present. Tekumah and Moledet held separate meetings yesterday, and a joint meeting with the entire party today. It was decided that despite Prime Minister Sharon\'s statement on Sep. 23 in favor of a new Arab state within Judea and Samaria, they would not quit the government, but would rather stipulate certain demands. It was noted, particularly by MK Tzvi Hendel, that some of their previous demands had already been met, such as preventing Arab traffic on the Jordan Valley highway and the re-taking of Abu Sneineh in Hevron, and that the government has taken several steps over the past days against Palestinian terrorism.
Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi and MK Benny Elon were in favor of quitting, but their view remained a minority one. Elon told Arutz-7 after the meeting that he understands that the current timing makes quitting the government somewhat awkward, \"but as for me, I have announced that I am leaving my positions as faction head and liaison with the government. They asked me to delay this move, but I did not agree... We will see.\"
Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi and MK Benny Elon were in favor of quitting, but their view remained a minority one. Elon told Arutz-7 after the meeting that he understands that the current timing makes quitting the government somewhat awkward, \"but as for me, I have announced that I am leaving my positions as faction head and liaison with the government. They asked me to delay this move, but I did not agree... We will see.\"