PM: We're in ongoing struggle over entire map of Israel

Amid conflict over the settlement freeze, and following a vote on a proposal meant to promote legislation of a bill obligating a referendum on withdrawals from certain parts of the Golan Heights and east Jerusalem in future peace treaties, which received much support, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday, "We are in an ongoing struggle over the entire map of Israel."

Netanyahu met with members of the Likud faction and told them that he was impressed with the determination of several of the faction's members to fight for settlement in the West Bank. However, he refused to hold a discussion on the construction freeze, following MK Danny Danon's request, as the prime minister said he was in Australia when the original debate was held in the faction.

The prime minister sarcastically said, "You should go out and protest against me, then we will finish early." Danon said in response, "We are protesting against the decision, not against you. Change the decision and we will demonstrate in support of you."

Meanwhile, residents of the Golan Heights are pleased with the Knesset's support of a referendum. Eli Malka, head of the Golan Regional Council said, "This is good news for the settlement in the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood by his election promise, to promote a referendum on any sovereign state before its fate is decided on."

Katzrin Council head Sami Bar-Lev said, "It's a great feeling, in light of the fact that the decision passed with a very large majority. It shows the strength and the importance the Knesset places in the decision to maintain Israel's sovereignty in the Golan Heights and other regions."

The Knesset on Wednesday afternoon adopted a 'continuity law' allowing the Israeli parliament to continue legislative discussions on a bill obligating referendum on withdrawals from the Golan Heights or east Jerusalem.

Sixty-eight Knesset members voted in favor of the motion, including Labor Chairman Ehud Barak and Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer who have expressed their objection to it. Twenty-two MKs voted against the bill and one lawmaker abstained.

Hagai Einav contributed to this report