The Palestinian unity government is already a fact, and now the reactions are coming from the Israeli side, most of which attack the move.
The political-security cabinet met this afternoon (Monday) and decided to adhere to the decisions made about two weeks ago, according to which no negotiations should be conducted with a government that includes Hamas, to authorize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to impose additional sanctions on the Palestinian Authority, and to act in the international arena to prevent terrorist organizations from participating in the elections. It was also decided to establish a team to examine courses of action in the new situation.
The ministers clarified that the Palestinian unity government bears full responsibility for all terrorist acts against Israel that emanate from the West Bank and Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the end of the cabinet meeting: "Abu Mazen said yes to terror and not to peace. This is a direct continuation of Abu Mazen's policy of refusing peace. While Israel has taken courageous and painful steps for the political process and continues to be committed to peace, Abu Mazen refused to extend the negotiations, rejected the American framework document, continues to incite against Israel, unilaterally joined the UN Charter, and has now also made an alliance with the terrorist organization Hamas, which is responsible for the murder of more than a thousand innocent Israelis, and the firing of thousands of rockets at Israeli cities.".
Netanyahu noted that Hamas has been recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and other countries around the world. "In recent days, the leaders of the Hamas terrorist organization have reiterated their commitment to the path of terror and the elimination of the State of Israel. The agreement with Hamas places direct responsibility on Abu Mazen for the terrorism emanating from Gaza." Netanyahu made it clear that Israel will not conduct political negotiations with a Palestinian government that includes Hamas.
Lieberman: There is no need to make unnecessary statements
Economy Minister and Jewish Home Chairman MK Naftali Bennett defined the unity government as "a government of terrorists in disguise," and claimed that today the Palestinian state agenda crashed into the wall of reality.
Bennett said that a government that includes Hamas, "the same organization whose charter contains the horrific sentences calling for the killing of Jews hiding behind trees and stones, is an illegitimate government, and therefore the Israeli government has unanimously decided not to recognize it or have contact with it.".
Bennett added: "There is no political vacuum. It is time to move from defense to offense. To do what is best for Israel. The sovereignty plan we proposed is the only solution today to the Palestinian refusal to peace and the Israeli left's refusal to find a solution. Time is not working in our favor, because every day that we do not take initiative and act endangers the citizens of Israel and sends a message to the world that there is no price for terrorism against Jews.".
Deputy Defense Minister, MK Danny Danon, also referred to the suits of the members of the Palestinian government, saying: "The suits of the Palestinian government ministers are just a cover for the terrorist activity that was and will be carried out under their auspices. Now any assistance given to the Palestinians by the US and other countries directly contributes to harming the State of Israel.".
On the other hand, Environmental Protection Minister Amir Peretz said: "The importance of the political process is strategic for the State of Israel, and therefore the new Palestinian government must be examined according to its tendencies. If it announces that it recognizes Israel and international agreements, dialogue with it must be examined and not a move to block the way that will only serve Hamas.".
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman also said that there was no need to make "unnecessary statements." Lieberman added that he was not excited by what was happening in the Palestinian Authority.
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