JERUSALEM -- Israel's prime minister is vowing to take a "heavy hand" against a wave of Arab violence and has accused the Palestinian president of fomenting the unrest.

In a nationwide address, Benjamin Netanyahu said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has incited the recent violence.

Earlier Tuesday, Abbas accused Israel of leading the region toward a "religious war."

Netanyahu said Abbas is not a "partner" for peace and said Israel would take tough new measures against Arab demonstrators.