Smotrich Demands Abbas Condemn Hamas or Exit Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Minister Bezalel Smotrich attacked Mansour Abbas for refusing to define Hamas as a terrorist organization during consultations at the Presidential Residence. Smotrich declared that Abbas cannot be part of any coalition if he cannot make such a definition. Abbas had previously stated he needed to maintain maneuvering room and protect himself and his family.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated Mansour Abbas cannot be in any coalition if he won't define Hamas as terror.
- Smotrich's comments followed Abbas's evasion of defining Hamas during consultations at the Presidential Residence.
- Abbas admitted he avoided defining Hamas to protect himself and his family.
- Smotrich called for Jewish unity in his statement on social media.
- The exchange occurred during consultations with President Isaac Herzog.
Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and a minister, launched a sharp attack on Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am faction, on Thursday. Smotrich stated that Abbas's evasion of defining Hamas as a terrorist organization during official consultations at the Presidential Residence was a "red line."
In a post on social media platform X, Smotrich wrote, "Whoever, after three years and after the most horrific massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust, has not been able to define Hamas as a terrorist organization cannot be part of any coalition, in any way." He concluded his remarks by calling for unity, writing, "Brothers. Jews. Time for unity."
Smotrich's strong reaction followed an exchange between Abbas and President Isaac Herzog. When asked twice about his stance on Hamas, Abbas initially responded, "It is impossible to put us to this test every time." Later, when pressed by presidential staff to explain his avoidance, he admitted he was refraining to protect himself and his family and to maintain maneuvering room to serve as a "bridge."
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