West Bank: Phone Call Between Israeli Defense Minister and Palestinian Official

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Palestinian Liberation Organization official Hussein Sheikh discussed the violence in the occupied West Bank during a phone call on Tuesday. Galant affirmed Israel's intention to take strict measures against riots by Jewish settlers. His office quoted him as saying to the Palestinian official, "Israel views the violence that Palestinian civilians have faced in recent days from extremist elements as serious." He added, "Israel will apply the maximum penalty in law against the rioters." Galant indicated that Israeli forces would continue to operate "as necessary," and informed Sheikh that calming tensions in the West Bank serves both sides' interests. A statement issued by Israeli President Isaac Herzog's office mentioned that he spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday in celebration of Eid al-Adha. Herzog firmly condemned the attacks on innocent Palestinians in recent days by extremist elements.