by Shlomo Cesana and Daniel Siryoti
Despite disputes among Israeli ministers, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon decides to return the bodies of five Palestinian terrorists from Hebron region to PA • "The Palestinians did not live up to their word that there would be no celebrations," he says.
A young Palestinian rioter pushes a burning tire during clashes with Israeli troops in Hebron on Saturday
Photo credit: Reuters  |
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon decided to return the bodies of five Palestinian terrorists to their families for burial last week. The terrorists in question are from the Hebron area. All five were killed while perpetrating stabbing attacks over the last few weeks.
Israel's political echelon was outraged when the bodies were received in the Palestinian Authority with celebrations, in blatant violation of the PA's pledge.
Credit: Reuters
During a meeting of the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet about a month ago, ministers argued over the issue: While Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan opposed returning the bodies of terrorists, Ya'alon insisted on it, arguing that keeping them was tantamount to "body trafficking" and could prompt further violence.
Ultimately, the cabinet agreed on a split policy: In Judea and Samaria, which is under the jurisdiction of the defense minister, Ya'alon will decide the fate of the bodies. In east Jerusalem and within the Green Line, Erdan would be the deciding figure.
"The cabinet has given the ministers Ya'alon and Erdan the authority to decide, each in his own jurisdiction," an unnamed political source said. "The defense establishment recommended returning some [bodies], realizing that withholding them would serve to further inflame the situation."
Appearing on Channel 2's Meet the Press on Saturday, Ya'alon voiced disappointment that "the Palestinians did not live up to their word that there would be no celebrations."
The Zionist Union criticized the government on the issue, issuing a statement saying "once again, there is a huge gap between the vocal declarations made by [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's government and its actual deeds. Even the war on terror needs a clear and consistent policy. This zigzagging on the issue of returning bodies suggests weakness."
Meanwhile Saturday, clashes erupted between Palestinian rioters and Israeli forces in Hebron after thousands attended a funeral procession for the five terrorists.
During the funerals, mourners waved Hamas and Fatah flags and called out, "In blood and fire, we will liberate Palestine!" After the funerals concluded, rioters began throwing rocks at IDF soldiers who, in turn, used riot dispersal gear to calm the situation.
Palestinians claims suggest that Israel is expected to transfer two more bodies of terrorists who committed attacks in Israel proper. According to Palestinian reports, Israel has conditioned the transfer of an additional nine bodies on a pledge that they will be buried unceremoniously, in quiet, nighttime funerals.
Palestinian media outlets reported that on Friday, an 8-month-old baby had died after inhaling tear gas emitted by a gas canister fired at rioters during clashes near Bethlehem.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit issued a statement, saying: "During the course of an illegal disturbance on Friday in the industrial zone at the western entrance of the village of Beit Fajjar, dozens of Palestinians lit tires and threw rocks and marbles at IDF troops. The forces responded with riot dispersal means and by firing rubber bullets and Ruger rifles at the main culprits."
"The Palestinian claim that a baby died as a result of inhaling gas used to disperse riots during the clash has been investigated thoroughly. In light of the findings, both operational and medical, the IDF believes that there is no direct correlation between IDF activity in the area and the tragic death of the Palestinian baby," the statement concluded.
Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=29371
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