World Tribune.com

Israel is responding cautiously to Palestininian 'terrorist authority'

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, February 20, 2006

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.


Copyright © 2006 East West Services, Inc.

Print this Article Print this Article Email this article Email this article Subscribe to this Feature Free Headline Alerts


Google
Search Worldwide Web Search WorldTribune.com