Israel Threatens, Rejects Negotiations With Palestinian Unity Gov't
Source: Associated Press
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a Palestinian unity government Monday, taking a major step toward ending a crippling split with his Hamas rivals but drawing harsh condemnations and threats from Israel.
The Israeli government said it would not negotiate with the new Palestinian government and authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to impose financial sanctions. It also said it would hold Abbas responsible for any attacks emanating from the Gaza Strip, which after seven years of Hamas rule, is a militant stronghold with thousands of armed men prepared to battle Israel.
Israel is furious that Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, has formed a government backed by the Islamic militant group Hamas. Although Hamas has no formal presence in the Cabinet, it has given its support to the government. Israel considers Hamas a terrorist group.
"Abu Mazen said today 'yes to terror, and no to peace,'" Netanyahu said in a statement issued after a meeting with his Security Cabinet.
Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/israel-threatens-new-palestinian-government
iandhr
(6,852 posts)Israel needs to be saved from itself.
The Magistrate
(95,264 posts)It seems as if he asks only one question whenever a decision must be made, namely 'Which course will most discredit Israel and alienate people who are not ultra-Zionists from any affinity with Israel?' Once he has determined which of the possible courses will most discredit Israel and alienate others, it is the course he chooses.
Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)seveneyes
(4,631 posts)With the way Islamic militants treat women and those who do not follow their religious ways, I do not see how anyone would be expected to negotiate with such a group.
starroute
(12,977 posts)But I guess that doesn't count because oil.
Ash_F
(5,861 posts)What do you call it when a party leads their country to war?
Yet we still have discourse with many political parties who have started wars, across the globe. And we are expected to work with two political parties, right here on our soil, who have started plenty of wars. Even with each other! Isn't that crazy?
Your point falls pretty flat.
As for how they treat women, there are quite a few countries the US are allies with who are worse.
You obviously don't know that much about life in Gaza.
sulphurdunn
(6,891 posts)or you fight them. Talking should be the first choice. Fighting the last resort.