Yesterday I reported how the Israeli government was upset about the plans of PA President “moderate” Mahmoud Abbas to honor 2 terrorists responsible for murdering Israelis. At the time, a senior government official said if the reports were true, it would be a “grave development”, and Israel would have to consider the consequences.
For my part, I voiced my cynicism about Israel doing anything, since it was unlikely that the Israeli government would admit it has been wrong in supporting the PA and considering them as serious partners of peace.
Well, you all know how I hate saying told you so.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed that plans to present two female Palestinian terrorists with a medal of honor have been withdrawn.
Abbas informed Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik of the decision in a telephone call from Moscow late Wednesday.
The Al Kuds Mark of Honor, the PLO’s highest medal, was meant be awarded in a ceremony in Ramallah Thursday to two female terrorists who helped kill Israelis. The terrorists’ families were slated to receive the honors in their stead.
Abbas informed Itzik that the awards for the two terrorists, as well as for other Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, had been revoked.
Itzik said that the plan had caused outrage among the Israeli public and MKs, adding that it certainly would not have been not conducive to peace negotiations.
Abbas’ decision to now not confer the honor does not alter the fact he intended on doing it, despite knowing about their murderous deeds (and, in fact, because of them). Nothing has changed.
And by talking Abbas out of the public honoring of terrorists, the Israeli government has saved face, which seems to have been their primarily goal. As opposed to – you, know – doing what is best for the state and her citizens.
