PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) is being commended by many for his remarks to an assembly in Saudi Arabia. Supporters back his firm unequivocal tone against the Hamas terrorists that abducted the yeshiva talmidim. Opponents believe the words were the result of mounting US pressure against the PA (Palestinian Authority) and they will not be followed by actions.

Addressing the Islamic Conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Abu Mazen on Wednesday, 20 Sivan, called for the immediate release of the boys. He stated those responsible for the kidnapping “want to destroy the PA”. He added “they are human beings just like us”, blatantly condemning the kidnapping, yet never mentioning the word Hamas.

Abu Mazen used the forum to lash out against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who he accuses of taking advantage of the situation to launch the major military operations in PA areas. In truth, the PA benefits on both fronts, attacking the prime minister and seeing his arch enemy, Hamas, dismantled without having to lift a finger despite the agreement, the recent unity government agreement with Hamas, it is clear that agreement was a formality at best as Abu Mazen lives under the constant fear of a Hamas coup in PA areas. Israel has cleaned house for him yet he gets to condemn the move while reaping the benefits of Operation Brothers Return.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu continues to hold Abu Mazen responsible, telling the media words are words but the litmus test is the actions that must follow. He reminds the media that Abu Mazen is the one who entered into a coalition government with Hamas.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)