The terrorist organization Hamas is behind the latest wave of violence in Israel and the West Bank, aided by incitement from the Fatah party of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, counter-terror expert and Likud MK Anat Berko said today.

Berko noted that both Hamas and Fatah will sometimes claim credit for terror attacks perpetrated by the rival group, so it was likely that many of the waves of stabbings and vehicular attacks were being done by Hamas cells, even though Fatah-affiliated groups have taken ownership of them.

“I remember a few years ago when I interviewed a terrorist and he told me, ‘I wake up in the morning Hamas and go to sleep Fatah,'” Berko said. “Many times it’s playing a role, especially if they want to empower themselves or they want not to take responsibility.”

Berko stated that a third intifada is not yet underway, since Abbas and the PA are trying to stifle things lest they “lose…their position and Hamas will take over in the same process we saw in the Gaza Strip.” She also pointed out that while Abbas may try to calm things down, he is also responsible for “a lot of incitement…especially around the Temple Mount.” Unfortunately, she warned, Abbas may not have the ability to control the passions his incitement has stirred.

Berko made her remarks in a conference call organized by The Israel Project, which publishes The Tower.

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