Netanyahu challenges PA's handling of incitement
PM addresses Psagot attack, says as long as incitement exists in Palestinian Authority, it cannot shy away from responsibility for attacks. Minister Ariel: Stop peace talks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Psagot terror attack in which a nine-year-old girl was injured Saturday and said that the Palestinian Authority cannot shy away from responsibility for terror attacks as long as there is incitement in its media.
Speaking at Sunday's cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said: "The State of Israel considers the heinous attack in Psagot a very serious act. For us, it's not enough that our firm security policy has made the past year the quietest in the past decade in terms of terror attacks." Netanyahu noted there has been a rise in the number of terror attacks.
Related stories:
- Psagot attack: 'Noam screamed and prevented a disaster'
- Terror attack: 9-year-old injured in Psagot
- Israel, PA negotiations set to resume
In a message to the Palestinians, he said: "Inciters and murderers must accept the fact that we're here to stay. I wish little Noam a quick recovery and I send my support to her family and all the people of Psagot."
Saturday's terror attack has led some ministers to urge the government to reconsider peace talks with the Palestinians.
Housing Minister Uri Ariel (Habayit Hayehudi) said, "I suggest that the prime minister stop, reassess the situation and decide how to move forward."
"It's not peace, it's not negotiations. Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) does not condemn and does not seek these terrorists out beforehand. The result is that more Israelis are murdered. This must stop."
Asked about the PA's war on terror, Ariel said: "Abu Mazen takes two weeks to condemn the murder of an Israeli soldier and when he does, it's from the US. That's not fighting terror. It's enough to tell us where we stand. Meanwhile, Hamas and other groups encourage (terror) and he doesn't fight them. It's not war on terror, it's bulls***t. That's not how you work."
Nevertheless, Ariel said he will not threaten to pull out of the government if negotiations continue. "We have things to say to the prime minister but we haven't and will not use threats. When we feel things have gone too far, we will not be in the government. "
Minister Gilad Erdan said, "I don't think we need to stop negotiations. It's important for Israel in the international level, especially at a time when we're trying to form an international coalition to stop Iran's nuclear program." He nevertheless added, "We cannot continue (to tolerate) Abu Mazen's complacency in terms of incitement and his cooperation with Hamas. We need to demand more of him in the fight against terror."
Noam (Dabul) Dvir contributed to this report
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
