Israel earlier decided to cut off all ties with Abbas due to recent militant strikes in Gaza. Being sworn in today, Abbas will have a lot to handle.

Many people are calling what Israel is doing a blockade to the roadmap for peace. I don’t think so. I think this is a test for Abbas to see if he is really worth his weight in salt. “You do what you promise to stop the suicide bombers, and we’ll leave you alone.” That sounds fair to me. Talk is cheap, but if Abbas shows action, then we’ll be getting somewhere.