Addressing a Haifa audience on Shabbos, National Infrastructure Minister (Labor) Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, a former IDF brigadier-general, stated the key to moving ahead and avoiding the formation of a bi-national state is the release of convicted Fatah terrorist Marwan Barghouti.

In a unique political analysis, the retired senior IDF officer explained that to date, Israel has given the Palestinian Authority some 60,000 weapons, which for the most part are now under Hamas control. He added that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) is not a strong figure, and it is likely that in time, Hamas will extend its control to Yehuda and Shomron.

He stated that following 41 years of settlement activity, there are now to nationalist movements, referring to Fatah and Hamas. He warned that the ongoing talks between Israel and the PA are “virtual talks” and they will lead to the establishment of a third nationalist movement, the Israeli Arabs, resulting in the creation of a bi-national state.

He called for the release of Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences for his part in murderous terror attacks – stating only Barghouti is strong enough to regain control and prevent the establishment of a bi-national state inside Israel’s borders.

Ben-Eliezer stated he is working to save a small but Zionist state and freeing Barghouti is the formula towards achieving this goal.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)