BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country’s leading security officials sought to reassure the Israeli public yesterday at a press conference in Jerusalem, in the wake of two days of intense violence.

Four stabbings yesterday followed five attacks on Israelis on Wednesday, leaving many Israelis nervous. Speaking alongside Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan and the chiefs of the IDF and Israel Police, Netanyahu reflected on “another difficult day for all of us.” Placing the violence in context though, he said, “This vicious terrorism did not start today. We have always known how to defeat the rioters and build up our country and so it will be now.” Netanyahu assured the public that the country’s leaders and security forces “are doing our utmost to restore your security and that of your children, to all Israel.” He pledged that “through persistent and systematic action we will prove that terror does not pay off.”

Netanyahu blamed the violence on incitement from Palestinian elements including the “wild lies” of the Palestinian Authority and especially the extremist Islamic Movement. Striking a similar chord, Ya’alon said “Terrorists that have been incited … are trying to attack our people – babies, children, men and women, civilians and soldiers.” Ya’alon emphasised that there is no current need for a wide-scale military operation, noting that attackers are resorting to knives as Israel has dismantled much terror infrastructure. He commented, “The test is being able to hold firm, rather than the test of deploying total force.” Nonetheless, Ya’alon, Erdan and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot all emphasised that the IDF has full freedom of action.

Netanyahu also said that, “At this time, it makes sense to have a broad government and a broad national front,” saying that “The decision on whether to join the government is in the hands of the opposition.” However, opposition leader Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog rejected Netanyahu’s call and instead said that Netanyahu had “lost control” and should resign.