PA stability is in Israel's interest, says Israeli minister

03 Jan 2022; MEMO: It is in Israel's interest to have a strong and stable Palestinian Authority, the Israeli communications minister announced yesterday.

Yoaz Handel told Kan that he was against the meeting held recently between the Israeli Defence Minister, Benny Gantz, and the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas. "If a meeting of this kind helps Gantz—it's his decision. I personally would not do it," he said.

"The Israeli government does not trust the Palestinians on security issues, but we have an interest in the PA not collapsing," Handel reiterated, adding that there were many "mediators between Israel and the PA.