Netanyahu Holds Security Consultations as Arab Riots Escalate in West Bank
by Zach Pontz
Israel’s Prime Minister held security consultations Monday as the situation in the West Bank deteriorated following the death and burial of a Palestinian Arab who was being held in custody by Israeli authorities. Palestinian Arab sources claimed he was tortured to death while Israel maintains the man died of a heart attack.
Reports of clashes across the West Bank were reported, with one prominent Palestinian saying that a third Intifada had already begun.
Netanyahu also met, in Jerusalem, with international Middle East quartet envoy Tony Blair. After the meeting, the Prime Minister referred specifically to the successful test of the Arrow-3 missile system.
“While Israel’s hand is always extended in peace, we are always prepared for other possibilities as well. In this context, I welcome the successful test of the Arrow-3 missile; it expresses the high technological and security abilities of the State of Israel, the defense industries, the Defense Ministry and our cooperation with the US. This enables us, in any scenario of peace or of those who want to oppose peace, to contribute to the security of Israel’s citizens,” he said.