The Israeli Cabinet unanimously
decided that Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by
Hamas, a terrorist organization that calls for Israel's destruction.
In addition, Israel will respond to unilateral Palestinian action with
a series of measures.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said:
"Instead of choosing peace, Abu Mazen [PA President Mahmoud Abbas]
formed an alliance with a murderous terrorist organization that calls for the
destruction of Israel.
Abu Mazen has formed an alliance with an organization whose
covenant calls for Muslims to fight and kill Jews.
Hamas has fired more than 10,000 missiles and rockets at Israeli territory and
has not halted terrorist actions against Israel even for a minute.
The agreement between Abu Mazen and Hamas was signed even as Israel is
making efforts to advance the negotiations with the Palestinians. It is the
direct continuation of the Palestinians' refusal to advance the negotiations.
Only last month Abu Mazen rejected the framework principles proposed by the
United States. Abu Mazen has refused to even discuss recognizing Israel as the
national state of the Jewish People. He violated existing agreements by
unilaterally applying to accede to international treaties and then formed an
alliance with Hamas.
Whoever chooses the terrorism of Hamas does not want peace."