MK Saar
MK Saar

The Palestinian Authority leadership, headed by Fatah chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), has granted a special award - the "Sign of Heroism" - to two female terrorists imprisoned in Israel.  One of them was involved in one of the most infamous terrorist attacks in Israeli history: the Sbarro's pizzeria suicide bombing.

On August 9, 2001, an Arab terrorist walked into the busy pizzeria at the busiest intersection in Jerusalem, and detonated his charge, murdering 15 Jews.  Among them were eight victims between the ages of 18 months and 19 years, as well as five members of one family, the Schijveschuurders of Neriah in the Binyamin region.

Abbas granted the "Sign of Heroism" award to the woman terrorist who helped direct the murderer to the target.

Abbas also granted an award to a woman who actively enticed an Israeli teenager over the internet. When she and the boy made up to meet, the boy was kidnapped at the rendezvous site near Ramallah and murdered by Arab terrorists.

The two female terrorists were given the awards for their heroic acts "on behalf of the Palestinian people," according to reports in the PA media.

Saar Calls for End to Negotiations

MK Gideon Saar, the Likud Knesset faction chairman, said in response, "This is an additional proof of the true stance of Abu Mazen. Israel must call off all diplomatic talks with the Palestinian Authority under his leadership."

"We should not be expected to encourage and praise those who praise our murderers," Saar said.  "Abbas makes sure to create for himself in the West an image of one who is moderate, while his true character is revealed among his own people. The government of Israel must wake up and respond appropriately, instead of granting him armored cars and removing checkpoints."

Livni Praises Fatah

That the government of Israel does not agree with Saar was evidenced not only by its ongoing talks with Abbas and his representatives, but also by recent remarks by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar this week, Livni said that Israel is negotiating "with the pragmatic Palestinians, who recognize Israel's right to exist, who seek to realize their national rights but choose the path of peace over terrorism. With such partners, who support the two-state solution, peace can be attained. The conflict is solvable."

Analyst Dr. Aaron Lerner (IMRA) commented, "Once again, FM Livni tells the world that the PA leadership is simply fantastic - setting the stage for the world to blame Israel for any problems" that are likely to arise in the future.

Fatah, the military wing of what is popularly perceived as the "moderates" of the Palestinian Authority, has been responsible for a long list of deadly terrorist attacks against Israel, including bombings and shootings.