Ramallah is trying to exert pressure on Israel through Washington: Against the backdrop of the security escalation in Samaria following last night's attack, a senior Palestinian official told Israel Hayom that Ramallah is demanding that the American administration exert real pressure on Israel to prevent further escalation on the ground.
According to the official, the fact that attacks against Palestinians are taking place while a U.S. delegation headed by Barbara Leaf is in Israel and the Palestinian territories illustrates what he called "Israel's contempt and disregard for the Americans."
Fierce clashes in Binyamin - settlers set fire to property and buildings in Turmus Aya // Arab networks
"We expect the United States to take at least one step towards Israel that will make it clear to it that it must stop the madness of the extreme right and the settlers. We have already sent a message to Israel in the past that we must not be dragged after the extremist politicians in the government who only cause a worsening of the situation and further escalation," the official said. "An example step could be to put groups and organizations that sponsor the hill boys and far-right people on your terror list."
Settler riots in Turmus Aya, photo: TPS
According to him, the expectation of the American administration to take action is reinforced given that some of the residents of the village of Turmus Ayya carry American citizenship. He added that what is happening on the ground weakens the Palestinian leadership, since it is portrayed as incapable of defending its people.
"In this situation, we will have to do something, and examine the possibility of implementing some of the decisions of the PLO Central Council, whether it is suspending recognition of Israel or renewing our activity vis-à-vis the courts and international institutions, or appealing to the UN General Assembly to suspend Israel's membership in the UNA." It should be noted that the Palestinian leadership is expected to convene an emergency meeting and discuss possible response measures.
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us