Ra'am Chairman Abbas Slams Netanyahu Over Hamas Funding

Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, accusing him of endangering Israel's security by allowing Qatari money to reach Hamas. Abbas's remarks came in response to Netanyahu's speech at the swearing-in of the Knesset, during which the Prime Minister attacked Arab parties. "I was shocked that the Prime Minister is exploiting a state occasion to incite and spread blood libels against Arab citizens of Israel," Abbas stated, emphasizing that "Our commitment is not in doubt."

Abbas recalled past conversations with Netanyahu, including one during the "Guardian of the Walls" operation. He claimed Netanyahu told him that he and Hamas leader Sinwar "understand each other." Abbas expressed surprise, stating he did not know about a "calculated risk" letter at the time and that he would have testified before a state commission of inquiry about these matters.

Addressing the funding issue directly, Abbas asserted, "The danger is not only in what you describe about Hamas but also in what you are funding Hamas. He knew the money was going to the military wing of Hamas. He went to sleep and abandoned the security of the citizens of Israel. He trusted Sinwar. I did not."

Abbas also stated his principled stance against terrorism and violence, declaring, "Terrorism is called terrorism and violence is called violence." He insisted he was speaking the truth and not making demands.