MK Yuli Edelstein, Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, visited the Samarian community of Yakir Wednesday, to mark the opening of the school year. Edelstein was hosted by Gershon Mesika, head of the Shomron Regional Council, who showed him the poor conditions of the school. Mesika explained to Edelstein that the conditions are a result of neglect by the Defense Ministry as well as the 10-month construction freeze in Judea and Samaria which is scheduled to end at the end of the month.
When asked by Israel National News TV what Prime Minister Netanyhau should answer if the U.S. administration demands the continuation of the freeze, Edelstein replied, "Netanyahu can and should say no with a capital 'N' to all the Palestinian attempts to start with preconditions and all sorts of achievements before they even agree to talking with us."