Abbas congratulates Gabbay in phone call
PA President Abbas calls newly-elected Labor Chairman Avi Gabbay to congratulate him before even Netanyahu or Kahlon; the two speak about prospects for peace and eventual negotiations.
Abbas took the opportunity to speak about future peace prospects and was told by Gabbay, "Effective negotiations between the sides begin with creating trust."
Gabbay thanked Abbas for the congratulatory call and called for a face-to-face meeting between the two to discuss ongoing matters between Israel and the PA. Gabbay also called for the two sides to build mutual trust from small steps such as halting the publication of textbooks containing inciting content from the Palestinian school system—a barrier that, according to Gabbay, impedes the possibility of normal relations with the Palestinians.
"Peace is not made in international meetings or in regional conferences, it begins with creating trust and personal closeness between the parties," Gabbay said.
Gabbay made it clear that with his election, he intends to attempt to move forward with his own policy plan, which first and foremost, includes an initiative for dialogue between the two leaders. According to Gabbay's plan, the two sides will eventually move to negotiations in which Arab communities that do not impede Israeli security arrangements will be returned to the PA.
Gabbay also emphasized that for him, Abbas is "definitely" a partner for a political initiative. However, on the matter of Jerusalem, Gabbay is of the approach that Jerusalem will remain united in every scenario and in all negotiations.
