First published at 14:27 UTC on December 17th, 2018.
West Bank Raises Security Questions for Palestinians, Israel
THE RUNDOWN | Terror attacks and clashes with Israeli security forces have raised some serious concerns about not only Israel's ability to maintain calm in the West Bank, but also th…
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West Bank Raises Security Questions for Palestinians, Israel
THE RUNDOWN | Terror attacks and clashes with Israeli security forces have raised some serious concerns about not only Israel's ability to maintain calm in the West Bank, but also the political security of Abbas' Fatah party ruling the Palestinian Authority. Is Hamas growing in popularity in the territory? Former Israeli diplomat Danny Ayalon and former Palestinian minister Ashraf Al-Ajrami analyze.
Story:
Palestinians factions called their supporters for massive protests throughout the West Bank for Thursday and Friday, while settlers and the Israeli right were organizing their own actions.
The Palestinian government was on high alert on Thursday following IDF movements responding to the shooting that claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers at the Assaf Junction outpost.
President Mahmoud Abbas said earlier in the day in a statement 'repeated incursions into cities, the terror of the settlers is what led to this series of violent events, which we condemn and reject'.
He also condemned the campaign of incitement that is currently being waged against him, referring to a series of posters apparently calling for his assassination.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday warned that security forces will crack down on 'enemies' who try to harm Israelis.
'Last night we settle the score with the murderers who carried out the terror attacks in Barkan and (near) Ofra, and today we have endured a serious attack (that ended) with two dead soldiers. The principle that guides us is that whoever harms us and whoever tries to harm us – his life is forfeit. Our enemies know this and we will reach them,' Netanyahu said.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said his thoughts were with the Israeli security forces who are dealing with violence in the West Bank.
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