Ra'am Chairman Abbas Explains Refusal to Label Hamas a Terror Group

By חדשות סרוגים

Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba

Religious-rightNeutral tone

Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas met with President Isaac Herzog and was asked if he views Hamas as a terror organization. Abbas avoided a direct answer, stating he needs to act as a bridge and protect himself and his family. He affirmed his opposition to all terror and violence, aspiring to peace between the two peoples. The exchange occurred during Ra'am's delivery of its government-forming recommendation to the president.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas refused to directly label Hamas a terror organization when questioned by President Herzog.
Abbas stated he needs to maintain a "bridge" role to influence the other side and protect himself and his family.
He affirmed opposition to all terror and violence, aspiring to peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The exchange took place during Ra'am's delivery of its government-forming recommendation to President Herzog.
Eyal Shviki, Director-General of the President's Residence, pressed Abbas for a clear answer.

Ra'am party chairman Mansour Abbas met with President Isaac Herzog on Thursday to convey his faction's recommendation for forming a government. During their meeting, Herzog directly asked Abbas if he considered Hamas a terrorist organization. Abbas, as is his custom, evaded a clear answer, stating, "We cannot be put to the test of loyalty all the time." He added that Israel's government accepted the Trump plan's framework, which envisions two states and the disarmament of all armed organizations. Eyal Shviki, Director-General of the President's Residence, pressed Abbas, asking why he wouldn't label Hamas a terror group to satisfy skeptics and enable a "fascinating political move." Abbas responded that he has a "unequivocal answer" but needs "this space to be a bridge and influence the other side," and to "protect myself and my family." He emphasized that Arab society and he individually serve as a bridge, urging against destroying it by being labeled terror supporters or traitors. "Unequivocally, we are against any terrorist activity and violence whatsoever against any person, and we aspire to reconciliation and peace between the two peoples," he stated.