Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday ruled out contacts with a Hamas-led Palestinian government until the Islamic group renounces violence, and Israel's defence minister threatened to "liquidate" Hamas militants involved in attacks. With the latest comments, Israel showed no signs of backing down from the tough line it has taken since Hamas won a landslide victory in Palestinian legislative elections last week.
Olmert, addressing the weekly meeting of his Cabinet, said he has received widespread international support for the Israeli position towards Hamas. Officials said Olmert has been in touch with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, as well as leaders from France, Egypt and Jordan. “We clarified that without a clear abandonment of the path of terror, a recognition of Israel’s right to exist in security and peace ... Israel won’t have any contact with the Palestinians,” Olmert said. “These principles are accepted by the international community. On this issue, I don’t intend to make any compromises.” Later Sunday, Olmert consulted with his top security advisers.
Ahead of the meeting, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Israel is prepared to resume its deadly airstrikes on Hamas targets. “Those who head terror organisations and continue to engage in terror against the state of Israel will be liquidated,” told Channel 2 TV on Saturday night. “Hamas knows better ... what Israel’s powers and capabilities are in fighting terror.” |