Abbas refused to label Hamas a terrorist organization in meeting with Herzog; reactions from Religious Zionism

In depth

During the round of consultations at the President's Residence, President Isaac Herzog asked Mansour Abbas whether Hamas is a terrorist organization. Abbas replied that Ra'am grew out of the Islamic Movement, and added that "you cannot keep putting us to this test." According to Israel Hayom, Abbas said: "Let me protect my family," and according to Channel 14 he described Hamas as a military organization.

According to Arutz Sheva, Minister Wasserlauf asked the President to demand that every party define Hamas as a terrorist organization. Religious Zionism announced that whoever is unable to define Hamas as a terrorist organization cannot be part of a coalition.

In an interview with the Saudi channel Al Arabiya, Abbas said that "all military organizations will be disarmed," and according to Israel Hayom he added that his party bears Israeli citizenship and Palestinian nationalism. According to Kan News, he wants to maintain the ability to speak to both sides.