WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, calling on him to repudiate the recent violence in Israel, end the incitement to violence within the Palestinian Authority, and return to direct talks with Israel.
“President Abbas must stop this repulsive and toxic rhetoric that is provoking the ongoing violence and threats against Israelis,” Rep. Scalise said. “The Palestinian Authority must immediately take substantive steps to avoid further violence and lead in a responsible manner on these critical issues. Escalation of violent acts and hateful rhetoric is not the foundation upon which to build a durable and lasting peace. Continued Palestinian incitement will only increase the likelihood of future terrorist attacks in Israel and the West Bank. The time has come for President Abbas and Palestinian leadership to cease the anti-Israel incitement, condemn all attacks, and continue to work with Israelis on security cooperation. Cooperation is essential not only for the future safety and security of Israel and Palestine, but for the entire Middle East.”
Read the text of the letter here.