‘Surrender to terror’: Right-wing MKs slam gestures to Palestinians

Right-wing lawmakers blast the government’s announced gestures to the Palestinians ahead of US President Joe Biden’s visit, with one calling them a “surrender to terror.”

Likud MK Yuli Edelstein says: “The left-wing government of [Prime Minister Yair] Lapid and [Defense Minister Benny] Gantz, which will come to an end soon, is continuing to present ‘confidence-building steps’ vis-a-vis the Palestinians, while forgetting to build trust with its own residents and people.

“It is time to return to the correct policy of Israeli power and sidelining the Palestinians far from the regional agenda,” he says. “When we return to the leadership that is exactly what we are going to do.”

Religious Zionism MK Ofir Sofer alleges that “thousands of illegal Arab homes are being legitimized” and that “construction in Jerusalem is canceled, and the race to placate [Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas] is getting significant tailwind in ‘trust-building’ ties with the one who pays those who murder our people.

“This is a surrender to terror, no less and no more.”

The PA has long been accused of incentivizing terrorism by paying monthly stipends to security prisoners and families of “martyrs,” including those who committed terror attacks. Ramallah argues the payments are a form of welfare.