BICOM

The Knesset yesterday held its opening plenary of the winter session. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to end the current wave of terror, but was branded a failure by opposition leader, Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog.

Netanyahu told the plenum, “Our enemies have not yet learned that terror won’t defeat us … Time after time, we are the ones who defeat them. And we will also come out of this wave of terror on top.” He added that, “Terror is not a consequence of frustration at the lack of progress in the diplomatic process. It is clear that it comes from the desire to destroy us. That is the cause today as well.” He also reiterated that, “We are committed to maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount,” describing the suggestion otherwise as “very dangerous incitement, which takes a toll of human lives.”

In response, Herzog took to the podium and emphasised that, “We are all united in the fight against terrorism.” However, he sharply criticised Netanyahu, who he said “claims to be managing the conflict.” Herzog explained that, “The conflict that you [Netanyahu] have been managing in recent years in your own way, according to your beliefs, has become a knife in the back of Israel’s citizens. You have failed. The despicable terrorists have raised their heads on your watch.” Herzog ruled out the suggestion that his Zionist Union party would join the coalition.

Meanwhile, President Reuven Rivlin, who also addressed yesterday’s opening session called to “strengthen mutual trust” between Jews and Arabs. He called for leadership, “That increases trust between the two sides and not the hostility and alienation between them.”

The Knesset also voted yesterday in favour of two pieces of legislation to stiffen punishments against throwing firebombs, rocks or attempting to harm another person with a weapon. One law will impose mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of such crimes and the other will fine the parents of minors guilty of these offences.