President Herzog Presses Ra'am Leader on Hamas; Abbas Cites Family Safety
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
President Isaac Herzog questioned Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas about his refusal to call Hamas a terrorist organization. Abbas avoided a direct answer, later stating that a clear definition could endanger his family's safety. He explained his position during consultations for the next government, citing his role as a potential bridge.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- President Herzog asked Ra'am's Mansour Abbas if he considers Hamas a terrorist group.
- Abbas refused to explicitly label Hamas as a terrorist organization.
- Abbas cited protecting his family as the reason for his stance.
- The exchange occurred during consultations for the next Israeli government.
- Abbas stated he wants to maintain room to act as a bridge.
President Isaac Herzog pressed Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, on his refusal to explicitly label Hamas as a terrorist organization during consultations for the next government. Herzog directly asked Abbas if he viewed Hamas as a terrorist group, to which Abbas evaded a direct yes or no answer.
Abbas later explained that a definitive response could endanger him and his family, stating, "I have an answer, but leave me room to be a bridge and to protect myself and my family, this is pikuach nefesh (saving a life)." He added that Ra'am, which originated as an Islamic movement before becoming a political party, cannot constantly be put to the test regarding loyalty, lawfulness, and respect for people's dignity and security.
The issue persisted during the meeting, with the Director-General of the President's Residence also questioning Abbas's reluctance to define Hamas as a terrorist organization. Abbas reiterated his concern for his family's safety as the reason for his reticence, emphasizing his desire to act as a bridge.
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