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Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is calling on the PA (Palestinian Authority) to stop paying salaries to terrorists and their families as a condition to the resumption of diplomatic talks.

At the start of the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, 27 Nissan, the prime minister addressed a number of issues before the media including the money paid to terrorists by the PA.

“Over the weekend I made it clear that the Palestinian Authority needs to stop financing the terrorists that sit in prison and the families of the terrorists who were killed while committing their crimes. This is a simple and clear test of the Palestinians’ desire for peace. One cannot be for peace with Israel and at the same time extol and finance the murderers of Israelis and of other innocents.

“Regarding the security prisoners’ strike, which includes many of these same murderers, we are leading a determined and responsible policy in accordance with international norms and not terrorist diktat.

“I would like to say a few words to the bereaved families. The entire people of Israel is united around you who have lost what is dearer than anything on behalf of the security of Israel. We know, I know, that the independence of Israel has entailed an unbearably heavy price and we are all with you in your deep pain. As Prime Minister and the son of a bereaved family, I heard what was said last week in the Knesset in the heat of debate. I regret that these remarks were made; an immediate apology was necessary and it is good that this was done.

“On the eve of the days of remembrance and independence, we must again remember that national unity is the most important thing. This is the source of our strength and also the foundation of our future.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)