Elkin: PA's Outcry on Heritage Sites Proves Our Claim

[Spectator]

by Maayana Miskin

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/136209

(IsraelNN.com) MK Zev Elkin (Likud) is not worried by the Palestinian Authority's angry reaction to Israel's decision to include the Tomb of the Patriarchs (Cave of Machpelah) in Hevron and Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem to a list of national heritage sites. On the contrary, Elkin says, “It's evidence that they are nervous, which proves that we were right to fight for this.”

In an interview with Arutz Sheva's Hebrew site Monday, Elkin explained that the PA's reaction shows that the struggle is over more than just two holy sites. The PA is angry because the inclusion of the two tombs as Jewish heritage site is proof of the Jewish connection to Judea and to the entire land of Israel, he said.

“The Palestinians are trying to give a different narrative, a totally different story, to say that we're new here, we came at the end of the 19th century... That's where the anger is coming from,” said Elkin.

When asked if he believes PA Arabs will riot over Israel's recognition of the two tombs as Jewish sites, Elkin said it depends on the PA leadership. “If the leadership wants riots, they'll find an excuse,” he said.

Israel can prevent riots by showing determination in face of threats, he continued. “In the end it all depends on our leadership, like we saw with the riots over the Kotel tunnels. They rioted, we threatened to send tanks into Ramallah, the 'spontaneous anger' disappeared as quickly as it sprang up.”

In 1996, Israel opened tunnels leading along the edge of the Temple Mount to allow visitors to see the ruins of historic Jerusalem. The PA accused Israel of attempting to topple the mosques on the Temple Mount, and widespread violence ensued. 17 IDF soldiers and dozens of Arabs were killed.