While PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) continues his anti-Israel diatribe, demanding an unconditional Israeli retreat from major areas of Yerushalayim, Israel continues good-will gestures intended in strengthening his position.

The ‘good-will gestures’ as they are called are in part the result of US pressure on Jerusalem, since the White House views Abu Mazen as the moderate and efforts to keep him in a position of authority occupy senior State Department Officials. In all fairness, the US position is the result of following Israel’s lead, with the pro-Oslo leaders shouting the praises of their man in Ramallah, who yearns for peace with his Jewish neighbor.

Many feel this is the reason a deal has not yet been signed for the release of Gilad Shalit, since such a reality would sharply boost Hamas’ growing popularity.

Israel’s latest move is clemency for 77 terrorists affiliated with Abu Mazen’s Fatah terrorist organization. According to a report from the official PA Maan news agency, 10 of the 77 received “total clemency” and may travel abroad freely as well. The remainder were pardoned and removed from Israel’s wanted list, but they will not be permitted to travel freely.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)