Israel’s Security Cabinet has unanimously agreed to reject the new Palestinian unity government sworn in on Monday in Ramallah. The new government, backed by the Hamas terrorist organization, has garnered support from the US and EU despite designating Hamas as a sponsor of terrorism.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office, Israel will “not negotiate with a Palestinian government with backing from Hamas, a terrorist organization which calls for the destruction of Israel.”
The security cabinet has authorized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “impose additional sanctions on the Palestinian Authority,” adding to the diplomatic and economic sanctions already in place.
The security cabinet made it clear that the PA would be held responsible for any violence emanating from Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip. Hamas, the ruling body in Gaza, has refused to renounce the use of violence and terror against Israel.
On Sunday, the Israeli Air Force targeted terror sites in the Gaza Strip in response to recent rocket attacks against Israel.
On Monday evening, a Palestinian terrorist from the West Bank opened fire on Israeli border police stationed at the Tapuah Junction. The terrorist was shot dead. Last week, security forces at the same junction stopped a suicide bomber from entering Israel and carrying out his attack.
In response to the formation of the new government, Netanyahu made clear that the Palestinians have destroyed all chances for peace with Israel. “Today, Abu Mazen [PA President Mahmoud Abbas] said yes to terrorism and no to peace.”
The prime minister said the Hamas supported Palestinian government was yet another move by Abbas of “refusing peace.”
“While Israel has carried out courageous and painful steps on behalf of the diplomatic process and continues to be committed to peace, Abu Mazen has refused to extend the negotiations, has rejected the American framework document, continues to incite against Israel, has unilaterally acceded to UN treaties and has now forged a pact with the Hamas terrorist organization,” he said.
Netanyahu urged the international community to open their eyes and realize that Abbas has “forged a pact” with a terrorist organization “responsible for the murder of over 1,000 innocent Israelis and the firing of thousands of missiles at Israeli cities.”
“Abu Mazen has forged a pact with Hamas, or organization which has been declared a terrorist organization…and which completely rejects the international community’s conditions. The international community needs to treat it accordingly,” the prime minister added.
Netanyahu reiterated his administration’s policy of refusing to negotiate with any Palestinian government that welcomes Hamas.
“The State of Israel will not conduct diplomatic negotiations with a Palestinian government with backing from Hamas, a terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of Israel,” he stated.
