Abbas Claims Netanyahu Said He Understood Sinwar During Gaza War
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas alleged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him during the "Operation Guardian of the Walls" that he and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar "understand each other." Abbas made the claim in a Channel 12 interview, responding to Netanyahu's recent criticism of Ra'am. He also accused Netanyahu of endangering Israel's security by allowing funds to reach Hamas's military wing. Abbas connected his revelation to a call for a state inquiry into the October 7th events.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mansour Abbas claims Netanyahu told him he and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar "understand each other."
- Abbas stated the alleged conversation with Netanyahu occurred during the "Operation Guardian of the Walls."
- The Ra'am chairman accused Netanyahu of endangering Israel's security by financing Hamas.
- Abbas linked his revelation to a demand for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events.
- He defended his party's stance on not labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization.
- Abbas criticized Netanyahu for inciting against Arab citizens of Israel at the Knesset swearing-in.
Ra'am party chairman Mansour Abbas claimed in a Tuesday interview that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him during the "Operation Guardian of the Walls" conflict that he and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar "understand each other." Abbas made the assertion during an interview with Channel 12 News, which took place after the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. He stated that Netanyahu made the remark at the Prime Minister's residence in Balfour.
Abbas's comments were a response to a sharp speech Netanyahu delivered against Ra'am and Abbas himself. "The danger is not only in what you describe about Hamas, but also in how you finance Hamas," Abbas said, adding that Netanyahu knew money was being transferred to Hamas's military wing, thereby endangering Israel's security. "He trusted Sinwar. I don't."
Abbas recounted that Netanyahu's statement about understanding Sinwar stuck with him over the years. He also linked his revelation to a demand for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7th, stating he would want to present these findings to such a committee.
During the interview, Abbas also addressed criticism regarding his party's refusal to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization. He clarified that Ra'am condemns terrorism and that his stance is principled, not a condition for political negotiation. "Terror is called terror and violence is called violence," he stated.
Abbas further criticized Netanyahu for using the Knesset swearing-in ceremony to incite against Arab citizens of Israel, calling the Prime Minister's remarks an attempt to spread blood libels. The disclosure comes amid political tensions surrounding the formation of the next government, with the "change bloc" negotiating with Arab parties. Abbas had earlier expressed Ra'am's desire to be part of the next coalition.
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