MK Aryeh Eldad (National Union) called on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu Tuesday to call off the planned direct talks with the Palestinian Authority and to return to Israel immediately to “actively participate in the immediate response that is required” following the multiple murder near Hevron. Eldad rebuked "everyone who took part in building the myth, in the past months, that [PA chief] Abu Mazen controls the territory” and called upon them to “sober up and immediately suspend the continued activity to strengthen the PA army that is being established with American sponsorship. This body cannot fight Hamas effectively and we will not be surprised if their weapons are turned against us.” MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari (NU) said in response to the attack that “the terror attack on the outskirts of Kiryat Arba is a reminder to Netanyahu regarding the identity of his partners” in negotiations. “The Likud government's talks with the terrorist Abu Mazen are a shot in the arm to murderous terror. The blood of the victims is upon the head of the Likud government.” MK Uri Ariel (NU) said: “It is clear by now – the most violent period is when there is a diplomatic process. Netanyahu must freeze the talks immediately and concentrate on safeguarding the security of the citizens of Israel.”
