Communicated by PM's Media Advisor Jerusalem, 27 October 1997 PM Netanyahu Response to Reform Jews Decision Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded today (Monday) 27.10.97 to the Reform Jews decision to reject the proposed compromise. The Prime Minister said that he regrets that despite the willingness and goodwill of the religious parties and sections of the government and coalition to reach a compromise, and to postpone debate on the [draft] Religious Councils Law and [draft] Conversion Law, the Reform Jews chose the path of confrontation rather than discussion and compromise. The rejection of the compromise by the Reform Jews raises the suspicion that political factors were involved in their decision, which are interested in deepening the division within the Jewish people and in the State of Israel as a political tool against the government, instead of attempting to strengthen the unity in Israel as the Prime Minister and Minister Ne'eman requested.