Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon responded to Palestinian Authority Chaiman Abu Mazen’s speech at the European Union today.

“Abu Mazen is not only lying as usual, continuing his malicious blood libels against the State of Israel,” wrote Ya’alon, who has announced he will run for prime minister in the next elections, on his Facebook page. “He is also exploiting the healthy democratic discourse in Israeli society, which does not exist in his society, and is putting words in my mouth I did not say.”

Ya’alon was referring to Abu Mazen’s statement that he and Ehud Barak said during the Herzliya Conference last week that Israel was a fascist state. While Barak did make that accusation, Ya’alon did not.

“Abu Mazen’s conduct, speeches and evasions of direct negotiations with Israel without preconditions, are further proof that he never intended to go for an agreement including recognition of our right to exist as the only nation state of the Jewish people,” added Ya’alon.

During his address to the European Parliament in which was sharply critical of Israel and Israeli policies, President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas called for the recognition of a state of Palestine in Judea and Samaria.

“If you believe in a two-state solution, you have to recognize both states,” Abbas said.

A Palestinian resident from the village of Azaria, located outside of Jerusalem, was arrested for possessing a weapon similar to the M-16 rifle, as well as ammunition and cartridges.

Large amounts of different types of drugs as well as significant portions of cash were also discovered on the suspect’s property.

Israeli police seized approximately 12 kilograms of the Nice Guy drug during a raid in the city of Bat Yam, located south of Tel Aviv.

In addition, police discovered a gun as well as concealed ammunition in the housing complex.

The 28-year-old suspect is scheduled to be brought to court this morning for a hearing on extending his detention.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly refused to meet with President Reuven Rivlin in Brussels, despite an attempt by EU officials to organize such a meeting as well as an acceptance on Rivlin’s part to attend.