MK Akunis on the Palestinians: "Their blackmail, their art"'

April 7, 2014   

In the conclusion of the debate held today in the Knesset plenum on the crisis in negotiations with the Palestinians, Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis of the Likud faction responded on behalf of the government. According to Akunis, "It is unfortunate that the opposition is once again automatically siding with the Palestinians, a stance devoid of judgment and a controlled and courageous view in the face of reality. A reality from which Abu Mazen has once again fled, as every time a decision is required and the Palestinians flee negotiations. These are the facts: Abu Mazen said no to Obama about a framework document, he also said in the Arab League that he would not agree to discuss a Jewish state at all. The US has been exerting pressure mainly on Israel and in the end the Palestinians are spitting in the Americans' faces. There is one truth and it is standing by Israel's side, even if in international public opinion, Israel is automatically blamed for everything it does not do. Yesterday I heard Saeb Erekat, known as the head of the negotiating team, but he is the head of the peace refusers, and he says, "Hamas is not a terrorist organization and has never been one." I would expect members of the opposition to side with the truth at times like these. Instead, you prefer to side with the Palestinians when you know that the Israeli government has taken far-reaching steps for the sake of negotiations, steps that defy all logic and all morality. The Palestinians are getting hungry and demanding more and more. Nearly 70% of the Israeli public understands that the last thing the Palestinians are interested in is reaching an agreement, but rather dancing in the streets with child murderers. These are the partners of the members of the opposition. It can be said of the Palestinians that their blackmail is their art, and this blackmail knows no bounds. Near the broadcast of the main editions, Abu Mazen signed his appeal to the UN, thus exposing the Palestinian lies and the violation of the agreements live. If the other side decides to act unilaterally, Israel also considers itself free to act unilaterally." Minister Akunis turned to MK Ahmed Tibi, who earlier said he was proud to be Yasser Arafat's advisor, and said: "Yasser Arafat's memory is a curse. He is a vile man and a despicable murderer, and you hang his picture in your room in the Israeli Knesset. If this is your pride, I suggest you find another source of pride.""