Top PA official: Targeting IDF soldiers legitimate

At Bar-Ilan University conference, former Palestinian Minister Ashraf al-Ajarmi says, 'If Israelis want to live in peace, two-state solution must be reached.' Adds: I fought IDF in Lebanon, and I'm proud of it

Shahar Chai|Published: 04.16.12 , 18:10

Violence directed at IDF soldiers is legitimate, former Palestinian Minister of Prisoner Affairs Ashraf al-Ajarmi told a conference held at Bar-Ilan University on Monday.

"A peace agreement must be based on the 1967 borders, and a just solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees must be found. Most Israelis favor such a deal, but Israel lacks leadership. There is no leader courageous enough to say, 'I agree to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders,'" he said, while noting that newly-elected Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz did express his willingness to accept this paradigm.

הבכיר הפלסטיני עורר בקהל צחוק וגם כעס (צילום: ירון ברנר)

Conference at Bar-Ilan University, Monday (Photo: Yaron Brener)

"In a number of years the Palestinians will be the majority and we will be given all the territories," al-Ajarmi warned. "You (Israelis) should know that you have only two options: A two-state solution based on the 1967 borders or a country for all its peoples, for all its residents. If you want to live in peace – an agreement must be reached. The 22 countries of the Arab world are willing to make peace based on the 1967 borders. You can either accept this proposal or continue doing whatever it is you want to do."

The former Palestinian minister said that while he objects to terror attacks against civilians, he considers the targeting of IDF soldiers to be legitimate. "As a human being I condemn all acts of violence against civilians, but not against soldiers. I myself fought against the IDF in Lebanon, and I'm proud of it."

Former Yesha Council director Naftali Bennett, another panel member, refused to shake al-Ajarmi's hand and asked him whether he still considers terrorist Samir Kuntar a "hero."