JERUSALEM — Israel's government has tredded cautiously in the aftermath of the
Hamas takeover of the Palestinian Authority.
The government of acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has rejected the
recommendation of the military for harsh sanctions against the PA in wake of
the Hamas victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council on Jan. 25.
Instead, Olmert approved a series of measures which officials acknowledged
as largely symbolic.
"We don't have the support of the international community for any
significant steps against Hamas," an official said. "So, there's no point in
being the only one to impose sanctions."
On Sunday, the government announced a funding cutoff to the PA in wake
of the Hamas takeover of the PLC. A Cabinet statement said the cutoff would
be reviewed monthly and not harm humanitarian efforts for the Palestinians.
Israel relays about 250 million shekels, or $55 million, per month to
the PA in tax proceeds. Earlier this month, the Olmert government, despite
the Hamasvictory, transferred the tax proceeds to the PA.
"Israel views the rise of Hamas as a dangerous milestone that turns the
PA into a terrorist authority," the statement said. "This new situation will
influence the future of Israeli-PA relations and will begin a period in
which ties with the PA are downgraded unless Hamas fully accepts
the principles that the international community has presented to it."
The Cabinet decision said Hamas must recognize Israel, abrogate the
Hamas covenant, renounce terrorism and dismantle its armed wing. The
decision said Hamas must also adopt the so-called roadmap for a Palestinian
state and recognize "all understandings and agreements between Israel and
the Palestinians."
Olmert was quoted as telling the Cabinet that Israel was entering a
difficult period. He dismissed the prospect of an Israeli-Palestinian peace
accord.
Officials said the General Staff recommended a complete funding cutoff
to the PA and halt of Palestinian labor to Israel. They said the military
also urged for a closure of the cargo and passenger terminals from the Gaza
Strip to Israel. Both recommendations were rejected by Cabinet.
Over the last few months, the military and Israel Security Agency
reported a sharp increase in Palestinian missile attacks against Israel.
Officials said the missile strikes increased in aftermath of the Hamas
victory as the movement sought to present a moderate image in the West.
ISA director Yuval Diskin said the number of Palestinian missile strikes
in January 2006 was 130, double that of the previous month. Diskin told the
Cabinet that so far this month the number of missile strikes exceeded that
of January. Overnight Monday, Palestinian gunners fired five missiles from
the Gaza Strip into Israel.
On Monday, Diskin told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
that Israel foiled a Palestinian attempt to fire mortars toward Jerusalem.
Diskin said a Palestinian insurgency cell had stolen an Israeli mortar
weapon.
The military also urged a halt to the PA project to restore its airport
in southern Gaza and build a sea port south of Gaza City. The government did
not adopt the recommendations.
"I think the government has to act responsible and considered," Defense
Minister Shaul Mofaz said.
Instead, the Foreign Ministry warned of an international backlash
against Israel. The Trade and Industry Ministry said Israel would be unable
to maintain its industry at full capacity without Palestinian labor,
particularly in textiles.
"In any case, Israel has no intention of bringing about the collapse of
civil frameworks and creating a humanitarian crisis in the PA," Olmert said.