Israel ‘Must Act with Force’ Against Palestinian State Bid at UN, says Israeli MinisterIsrael is livid about the pending PA bid at the UN Security Council and should consider responding with force to dismantle the PA, says Israeli Minister Steinitz.
PA leader Abbas welcomes to Ramallah Palestinian terrorists released from Israeli prison in October 2013. (Photo: Issam Rimawi/FLASH90)
Israel is following the pending Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN with apprehension. Jerusalem is concerned about the possible repercussions if the resolution is passed at the UN Security Council (UNSC).
The Palestinians’ latest threat is to submit on Monday a resolution calling for the end of the “Israeli occupation” of Judea and Samaria by the end of 2017.
Israel considers the resolution a diplomatic declaration of war, and Intelligence and Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz called for drastic measures if the Palestinians indeed do make the move. “A vote at the UN is expected on the aggressive, hostile and one-sided resolution regarding a Palestinian state. We must not let it pass quietly,” Steinitz declared on Sunday. “In my opinion, if such a resolution is accepted by the UNSC we will have to seriously consider the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.”
Stop Treating Abbas with Silk Gloves, Minister Demands
Steinitz stressed that Israel should stop being “the nice guy” and instead become aggressive with PA head Mahmoud Abbas, who is spearheading this anti-Israel diplomatic process.
“We should stop treating Abu Mazen [Abbas] with silk gloves,” he said. “Abu Mazen is as dangerous to Israel as Hamas is. It is true he is not an enemy of rocket fire, but with his diplomatic assault and his incitement against the Jewish people, he is just as dangerous. I have always supported a hard line against him, and now, if he goes ahead with his move at the UNSC, we must not turn the other cheek and must act with force.”
Abbas, on his part, is threatening to dissolve the PA himself, thus dumping the responsibility for the Palestinian population on Israel if his resolution is rejected by the UN.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that Israel is resilient in the face of international anti-Israel bias and pressure. “We will continue to insist on our truth, and we will also continue to vigorously rebuff attempts to force terms on us that would endanger our security and our future. We expect national unity on this national issue,” the Israeli leader stated.
By: United with Israel Staff
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