Chairman Zevulun Orlev of the Knesset Education Commission stated on Tuesday that students should not have to be place in a situation where they "pay a hefty personal price in shameful learning conditions since of the whims of politicians who turn them into hostages." Orlev's comments came throughout a tour of educational facilities in Samaria, accompanied by Samaria Regional Council chairman Gershon Mesika.

He was referring to the defense ministry's refusal to issue expansion permits to overcrowded schools under the government's ban on Jewish construction in the area. The ministry announced the release of some permits two weeks ago