Senior representatives of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and various countries around the world hailed the rare meeting Tuesday between Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The meeting took place at Gantz’s house in Rosh Ha’ayin. According to an unconfirmed source, Bennett was informed of the meeting ahead of time, and “criticized Gantz’s intention to hold the meeting, and expressed resentment about the hosting of [Abbas] in Gantz’s home.” Here, the 1st time in over 10 years that Abu Mazzen visits Israel, and it is at the invitation of the Defense Minister and presumptive future Prime Minister!to meet him at home! Ludicrous is an understatement.
So why wasn’t Gantz stopped from holding this meeting? Going ahead with this meeting demonstrates Gantz’s own self-centered political interests and Bennett’s inability to reign him in.
As Israel continues to defend itself from a rise in violent terror attacks, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s government is working hard to bolster and advance the PA. Yes, he acts outraged, but Bennett’s government (through Gantz) has promised to advance 100 million shekels in tax payments to the PA while clearly one third of their budget still goes to the pay for slay program. The “benefits package” agreed upon also grants other enhanced treatment for various ordinary residents and VIPs in Judea Samaria and Gaza. Gantz calls this confidence building, but at what cost to Israel. Confidence busting is the least of it.
Talk of construction of new homes and of concessions that could ultimately threaten Israel’s security is criminal in light of the urgency to advance basic needs and development in Judea and Samaria and all of Israel. The Electricity Law which just passed its 2nd and third readings in the committee stage virtually legalizes the theft of land. MK Orit Strook called it out for what it is, pointing clearly to the inequity presented. If the illegally built Arab homes are allowed to connect to the power grid, then by right all the young Jewish settlements should be able to do the same, she rightly maintained.
Let’s not forget that talk of the application of Sovereignty should be Bennett’s #1 concern. It’s time to call out Bennett for what he has revealed himself to be….at best ineffective and at worst A TRAITOR TO HIS OWN PEOPLE.