While PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) continues his anti-Israel diatribe, demanding an unconditional Israeli retreat from major areas of Yerushalayim, Israel continues good-will gestures intended in strengthening his position.

The �good-will gestures� as they are called are in part the result of US pressure on Jerusalem, since the White House views Abu Mazen as the moderate and efforts to keep him in a position of authority occupy senior State Department Officials. In all fairness, the US position is the result of following Israel�s lead, with the pro-Oslo leaders shouting the praises of their man in Ramallah, who yearns for peace with his Jewish neighbor.

Many feel this is the reason a deal has not yet been signed for the release of Gilad Shalit, since such a reality would sharply boost Hamas� growing popularity.

Israel�s latest move is clemency for 77 terrorists affiliated with Abu Mazen�s Fatah terrorist organization. According to a report from the official PA Maan news agency, 10 of the 77 received �total clemency� and may travel abroad freely as well. The remainder were pardoned and removed from Israel�s wanted list, but they will not be permitted to travel freely.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)