A United Nations translator referred to Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas as the 'President of the State of Israel' ahead of Abbas' address to the UN General Assembly on Friday.
The mistake was made as PA Permanent Observer to the UN Riyad Mansour introduced Abbas before his address,
In his speech to the General Assembly, which was broadcast via video link, Abbas accused Israel of "destroying the prospect of a political settlement based on the two-state solution" through the construction of homes in Judea and Samaria.
"If the Israeli occupation authorities continue to entrench the reality of one apartheid state as is happening today, our Palestinian people and the entire world will not tolerate such a situation," Abbas declared.
"Circumstances on the ground will inevitably impose equal and full political rights for all on the land of historical Palestine, within one state. In all cases, Israel has to choose," Abbas added.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz responded to Abbas' speech by warning the PA leader against issuing ultimatums.
"The fact that Abbas continues to call for a diplomatic solution is good, but he issued an ultimatum and climbed a ledge that will be difficult to get off," Gantz told Channel 13 News.
"It is important to remember one thing," Gantz continued. "No one is going anywhere. It is important to recognize this and the only way to deal with this reality is to develop security, develop the economy and strengthen the governance of the Palestinian Authority."
