(Financial Times-UK) - Ron Prosor Western observers who urge Israel to talk to Hamas should ask what can be negotiated with an organization that described the shooting death last week of four Israeli civilians, leaving seven children orphaned, as "a heroic operation." The violence illustrates the risks of Israeli concessions. Israel has removed 60 West Bank roadblocks this year, yet measures aimed at boosting Palestinian business were exploited with devastating consequence by Hamas terrorists. The Israeli public needs international and Palestinian measures to repair its confidence. The international community must attempt to ensure that Hamas adopts the Quartet conditions and abandons the brutality which has always characterized its actions. When the Palestinians have prevented terror and enforced law and order, concessions have followed. To make further progress, the PA must demonstrate a sincere will to persist with talks, end incitement, and recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. The writer is Israel's ambassador to the United Kingdom.
2010-09-07 11:01:48Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive