Channels

Netanyahu and Ya'alon 'more threat than option'
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Mahmoud Abbas
Photo: AFP

Ya'alon: September is all about scare tactics

Minister for strategic affairs downplays 'diplomatic tsunami' expected in September, says even Abbas realizes shortcomings of UN recognition

In an interview with Ynet on Monday Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya'alon said that even Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is not interested in a UN declaration of the establishment of a Palestinian state. "He knows what it means to deal with Hamas without IDF assistance," he said.

 

Addressing the diplomatic and security developments expected during September Ya'alon said: "I see a scarecrow in September. More threat than option, there is a series of scare tactics being used from within the coalition.

 

 

"They are scarecrows. September is one of them; even Abbas didn't initiate that option at a time when he knows the US can stop all aid to the Palestinians. Abbas would not wish for an operative decision in the UN that impedes the IDF's freedom of action in the West Bank."

 

Ya'alon believes the "diplomatic tsunami" balloon has deflated: "Israel is not isolated. When we explain ourselves the Americans and the world understand. More and more countries are distancing themselves, in Europe too. It is true that there will be an automatic majority but the moral bloc will for the most part distance itself."

 

The minister also stressed that the expected Quartet meet is just another threat, an attempt to get more concessions out of Israel to appease the Palestinians so that they don't submit their declaration in September. We do not intend to be extorted by the Palestinians and will stand firm: Yes to negotiations, no to preconditions."

 

'No reason to fold'

Ya'alon admitted that he didn't know if negotiations would resume or not: "Abbas is also speaking in different terms, he climbed high and now has no way to come down. In certain conditions he may join negotiations but those conditions shouldn't be Israeli concessions."

 

As for relations with Turkey, Ya'alon noted that the pressure was on the Turks. "The Palmer report doesn't benefit the Turks. That's hard for Erdogan to accept.

 

"I told them outright: 'We have nothing to apologize for in light of provocations from a Turkish organization which could have been stopped by the Turkish government'. I suggest that we stand firm, we have no reason to fold."

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.11.11, 12:35
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment