[Ynet News] Alex Fishman - Diplomatic sources in Jerusalem are already pointing out the flexibility in the U.S. stance regarding the three conditions set out by the Quartet that enable the lifting of sanctions on the Hamas cabinet. One of the staunchest conditions was that Hamas would recognize Israel's right to exist. Now the American administration is prepared to live with a Hamas government whose ministers do not publicly condemn Israel's right to exist. According to Israeli diplomatic sources, Hamas is very much aware of this erosion in the American stance and is sensing the loosening of the sanction rope around its neck. Even IDF military pressure on Hamas has waned. It is no wonder, therefore, that Hamas is walking around with a sense of achievement, and the immediate result is the hardening of the Hamas stance vis-a-vis Abbas, which is likely to lead to further inflexibility on the issue of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit.
2006-12-08 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive