Lapid Bars Party Members from Abbas Meeting

Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid has barred five party lawmakers from meeting in Ramallah with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas , who had invited them to a toast in honor of Rosh HaShanah.

The five lawmakers withdrew their acceptance of the invitation, according to the newspaper.

Lapid ordered the withdrawal because it could prejudice the work of the Israeli and Palestinian Authority negotiating teams, which have met three times in the last three weeks for renewed peace talks, according to reports.

Abbas’ invitation came after a goodwill meeting held last month at the Knesset attended by Israeli lawmakers and PA representatives chosen by Abbas.