Rivlin vows Israel will probe PA minister's death, urges calm from both sides

Speaking at Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference, president says Israel is committed to carrying out a thorough investigation into the events of Ziad Abu Ein's death.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Rivlin vows Israel will probe PA minister's death, urges calm from both sides
President Reuven Rivlin expressed his condolences for the death of Palestinian Minister Ziad Abu Ein on Thursday and vowed that Israel would thoroughly investigate the incident.
Abu Ein collapsed and died on Wednesday after an altercation with security forces at a West Bank protest.
Speaking at The Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference, Rivlin said, "Loss of life always brings pain."
He said Israel "is committed to carrying out a thorough investigation into the events of his death. Israel will act according to the rule of law."
Amid fears that the minister's death could spark violence in the West Bank, Rivlin said, that Israelis and Palestinians "have a duty to be responsible and encourage calm."
Rivlin also addressed the controversy surrounding the "Jewish State" bill, saying that Israel's DNA was to be Jewish and democratic, and this did not need to be codified in law.
He expressed the importance of maintaining equal rights for all of Israel's minorities.
The president said the debate surrounding the "Jewish State" bill was a sign of the strength of Israel's democracy, not its weakness.