Settlers threaten hunger strike if freeze extended

'Netanyahu has shown he can withstand pressure, but this will mean nothing in coming days,' Shomron Settlers' Committee head says hours before construction moratorium set to expire
Yair Altman |
The various settler committees have drafted a plan consisting mainly of launching hunger strike by community leaders in case the construction moratorium in the West Bank is extended, Shomron Settlers' Committee head Benny Katzover told Ynet Sunday evening, just hours before the freeze is due to expire.
According to Katzover, the settlers are also preparing to take "several additional measures" should the government decide to extend the construction freeze to prevent the collapse of the direct peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
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While many settlers celebrated the end of the 10-month moratorium, Katzover remained pessimistic. "I am very concerned. Even if (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu has shown that he can withstand the pressure, it will mean nothing in the coming days," he said.
Knesset Member Danny Danon (Likud) told Ynet he plans to fight any decision that will not lead to the resumption of construction in the West Bank's settlements.
"The PM knows he does not have a majority in government for the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital," he said.
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