Israel Today

Israel Demands Palestinian Authority Actually Act Against Terror Groups

Oslo Accords obligate PA to combat terror, but for decades it has done little more than issue disingenuous condemnations.

(TPS) On Wednesday morning Israel’s Minister of Defense Benny Gantz visited the IDF’s Intelligence Division (IDFDI) to hold a situation assessment regarding various challenges including Iran, the northern arena, and the Palestinian arena, where he slammed the Palestinian Authority (PA) for failing to do more to stop terrorism based within its areas.

He also discussed lessons learned from Operation Breaking Dawn, and toured the unit’s HQ. The Director of the IDFDI, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, Head of the Research Division, Head of Intelligence Operations and additional senior officials were also present.

Minister Gantz expressed to those in attendance his appreciation for the unit’s work during the recent military operation, including their close cooperation with the Israel Security Agency (also called Shin Bet). He also expressed his appreciation for their ongoing operational activities in all arenas.

“Our excellent intelligence and outstanding personnel, prevent attacks and save lives,” said Gantz in praise of Israel’s intelligence agencies. “As a result of our accurate intelligence, and the operational methods we have developed, we operate in a precise manner against terrorism, protect the citizens of Israel, and reduce harm to innocent civilians.”

Minister Gantz also commented on recent complaints from many over the rules of engagement that both the IDF personnel and the Israel Police must adhere to, specifically as to when they are permitted to use deadly force.

The criticisms came from many in the Israeli public after both soldiers and police were either killed or wounded in situations that some feel could have been prevented had security forces been given more freedom to open fire on suspicious individuals in potentially dangerous situations.

At the same time, the American government has asked the Israeli government to instruct the IDF to “closely review its policies and practices on rules of engagement,” but in this case, the US meant that Israeli soldiers should be placed under even stricter rules on when they can open fire. This came after the IDF acknowledged that an Israeli soldier was responsible for the death of Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who died after getting caught in the middle of a crossfire between IDF troops and terrorists in the Jenin refugee camp on May 11.

“The IDF’s Chief of the General Staff, and he alone, determines, and will continue to determine the rules of engagement in accordance with our operational needs and values of the IDF,” said Gantz. “These instructions are implemented in a strict manner by soldiers and their commanders. There has not been, and there will not be any political involvement in the matter. IDF troops have my full backing in their mission to protect the citizens of Israel.”

And the Defense Minister also called out officials of the PA over its failure to prevent terrorism.

“We demand that the Palestinian Authority not only speak out against terrorism but also act against it,” he said. “The spread of weapons and lack of governance are harming both the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority itself. I conveyed this message again today, to PA leadership.”

“We will not allow armed men who seek to murder Israelis, to roam around freely,” added Gantz. “We will pursue and stop them. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen moderate actors, and prevent harm to the routine lives of the majority, who are not involved in terrorism.”