WH: ‘We expect Palestinian leaders to condemn acts of terror’

White House spokesman Josh Ernest says terrorist attacks in Israel are worthy of condemnation “not just from Israel and the United States, but by countries around the world, including the leader of the Palestinian people.”

Ernest’s statements come in response to a question about responses to yesterday’s attack in Jaffa which left US citizen Taylor Force dead and 10 Israelis injured.

“This type of attack would be outrageous even if didn’t involve an American… Our expectation would be that public officials and particular those who are in a position of leadership would condemn any act of terrorism and any efforts to kill civilians,” he says.

Ernest’s comments come after US Vice President Joe Biden, during an ongoing visit to Israel, appeared to condemn Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for not speaking out against terror attacks.

Asked if he expected the topic come up during Biden’s meeting this evening with Abbas Ernest says, “it does seem hard to imagine the issue will not come out during the meeting.”