Sa’ar cites ‘horrific’ shooting attack as justification to prevent Palestinian state under PA

Speaking at a press conference alongside his Hungarian counterpart in Budapest, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemns the “horrific” deadly terror attack at the Ramot Junction in Jerusalem this morning, citing the shooting incident carried out by two Palestinians from the West Bank as evidence for the need to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state under the Palestinian Authority.

“This morning, there was a horrific terror attack in our capital, Jerusalem. Two Palestinian terrorists murdered Jews on buses,” Sa’ar says somberly, referencing the six victims killed and the wounded — including a pregnant woman, he notes — and adding, “We pray for them.”

“We are in a war with radical Islamist terrorism. Europe and the international community, every country, must now make a clear choice. Are they on Israel’s side, or are they on the side of the jihadists?” Sa’ar continues. He points to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó before adding that “We know that Hungary stands with us.”

Pivoting to address numerous Western nations moving planning to recognize a Palestinian state this month, Sa’ar says: “We completely reject the current attempts to force Israel to accept a Palestinian terror state in the heart of our tiny land. It will not happen.”

“The terrorists who struck this morning came from the Palestinian Authority territories. The establishment of such a state would have only one goal: the elimination of the State of Israel,” he argues.

“It must be made clear — the Palestinian Authority has never severed its ties to terror,” he goes on, backing this by repeating accusations he made alongside his Danish counterpart yesterday that the PA has failed to combat terrorism, address security concerns, or end incitement to terrorism in education facilities.

“Based on its actions, the PA does not deserve a state,” the foreign minister asserts.

Recognition of a Palestinian state “will only destabilize the region,” Sa’ar adds, repeating his warning that such a move “will push us toward steps too.”