Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas issued a statement condemning both the kidnapping of the three Israelis and the results of a massive Zionist crackdown.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas issued a statement condemning both the kidnapping of the three Israelis and the results of a massive Zionist crackdown.

"The Palestinian presidency condemns the series of events that happened last week, beginning with the kidnapping of three Israeli youths," it said, but also denouncing a massive wave of Israeli arrests during which a young Palestinian was killed near Ramallah overnight.

"The presidency reaffirms the importance of neither side resorting to violence," it said, also hailing the efforts of the Palestinian security forces in "keeping the peace" and preventing the territories from being "dragged into chaos and instability".

Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called Abbas and said he expected him to help ensure the safe return of three kidnapped teenagers, a statement said.

"I expect you to help in the return of the kidnapped youths and the capture of the kidnappers," Netanyahu told the Palestinian leader.