That’s telling him, State!

Ynet built an entire news article around the following exchange from the State Dept. daily briefing:

QUESTION: Do you have anything on the killing of Moussa Arafat? And is the United States concerned about the lack of authority that the PA might be having in Gaza right now?

MR. MCCORMACK: Well, we welcome President Abbas’s comments in saying that he will — that he committed himself and the Palestinian Authority to bring those responsible for these attacks to justice and to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian territories. Continuing lawlessness, terror and violence only serve to drive a wedge in Palestinian society, frustrating the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a better way of life. It’s the responsibility of any governing authority, any government to provide a safe, secure environment where the people can realize a better life for themselves. And this is also a responsibility of the Palestinian Authority and that we welcome President Abbas’s commitment to seeing that there is a safe environment for the Palestinian people, free from terror and his commitment to dismantle terrorist organizations.

QUESTION: This is a follow-up. Does this killing not suggest that President Abbas doesn’t have the authority to restore order and keep order?

MR. MCCORMACK: Again, it is the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority. He has expressed his commitment to bring those responsible for this to justice. What we would urge is that every effort be made by the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, in particular, during this time, for withdrawal to maintain an atmosphere of calm and free from violence and certainly from terrorist acts.

Ooh, that’s telling them.

Color me unimpressed.