PA Warns of Violence, Chaos after Netanyahu’s Electoral Victory

Arab World

March 4th, 9:15am

Ramallah – Kifah Zboun

PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party election ballots are seen on the floor following Netanyahu's address to supporters at the party headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel March 3, 2020. (Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s victory in parliamentary elections raised concerns and prompted disappointment among Palestinian political circles. Palestinian presidency spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah stressed that the elections results were an internal matter, saying: “What concerns us only is the preservation of our steadfast and legitimate national rights, particularly Jerusalem.” “We will not allow anyone to eliminate our cause,” he added. Abu Rudeinah went on to say: “We are ready to deal with any Israeli government committed to achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on international resolutions and to establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.” Secretary of the PLO’s Executive Committee Saeb Erekat warned of the outbreak of violence if Israel went ahead with its pledge to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. Upon the announcement of the elections results, Netanyahu was quick to assert that he would begin the implementation of the annexation process. “We fear that this step would push the two sides into violence, chaos, extremism and bloodshed,” Erekat said from Ramallah on Tuesday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants warned of policies and measures that Netanyahu would adopt if he succeeded in forming a coalition government. “The speech Netanyahu gave following the announcement of the exit poll results, in which he declared that he is going to annex the Jordan Valley and the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories after he forms his government should worry not only the Palestinians, but the entire world,” the ministry said in a statement. “The foreign ministry, while condemning in the strongest terms Netanyahu’s statements and positions, expresses its deep concern regarding the results of the Israeli elections,” it added.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2162221/pa-warns-violence-chaos-after-netanyahu%E2%80%99s-electoral-victory