Olmert: Shas won't quit coalition, e. Jerusalem construction to continue

By JPOST.COM STAFF, GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday said he did not believe that Shas would quit the coalition over reports that Jerusalem was already on the table in talks with the Palestinians. "I see no danger to the integrity of the coalition," Olmert told political reporters in the Knesset. "It is clear to all of the sides that the issue of Jerusalem will be the last issue on the agenda with the Palestinians." Meanwhile, Army Radio reported that the prime minister promised Shas Chairman Eli Yishai that construction would continue in Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem. Olmert reportedly said that he would contact the authorities charged with planning and construction in the Housing Ministry and inform them of the decision in the upcoming days.