Four days after the kidnapping of the three boys, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for the first time with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
Netanyahu told Abbas: "I expect you to assist in the return of the kidnapped boys and the capture of the kidnappers.".
Netanyahu referred to the relationship that has emerged between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, claiming that it is bad for all parties. "The Hamas kidnappers left territory under the control of the Authority and returned to territory under the control of the Authority. This case reveals the nature of the terrorism that we are fighting." Netanyahu added: "Terrorists kidnap innocent Israeli children, while we treat sick Palestinian children in our hospitals. This is the difference between our humane policy and the murderous terrorism that attacks us.".
Netanyahu also told Abbas: "We need to understand the consequences of the partnership with Hamas - it's bad for Israel, bad for the Palestinians, and it's bad for the region.".
Yesterday it was reported that Abbas's wife was hospitalized at Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv for surgery.
Earlier, Abbas issued a statement condemning the kidnapping of the three boys, but at the same time he also condemned "the chain of Israeli violations that followed the incident.".
The statement reads: "The Palestinian Authority once again clarifies the need not to be drawn into violence on any side, especially in light of the fact that Abbas's position is to continue to work intensively for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Abbas made it clear that the Palestinian security forces are investing efforts in maintaining order, peace and stability and preventing the situation from deteriorating into anarchy and instability.".
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