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Israeli Cabinet: New Palestinian Government Does Not Accept Principles of the International Community
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] The Israeli Cabinet decided Sunday: In light of the fact that the new Palestinian government, based on the platform formulated and approved by it, does not accept the principles of the international community: recognition of Israel's right to exist, elimination of terror and the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, and recognition of the agreements signed with Israel including the Roadmap, Israel will not be able to work with the government or any of its ministers. Israel will continue to work with Mahmoud Abbas in order to advance issues of security and issues pertaining to improving the quality of life of the Palestinian population. The Palestinian government's platform, which includes, inter alia, the use of terror as a legitimate right, the acceptance of previous agreements with Israel based only in accordance with Palestinian interests, as well as limitations the chairman of the PA took upon himself, including bringing any agreement with Israel to the authorization of the new Palestinian National Council and the Palestinian diaspora, gives, in essence, a veto right to Hamas and other terrorist organizations over any agreement that would be reached with Israel, and limits the possibilities and range of topics which Israel can discuss with the chairman of the PA. Israel will continue to demand that the chairman of the PA implement his obligations: to bring about the unconditional release of the abducted soldier Gilad Shalit, to stop Kassam missile attacks, to dismantle the terrorist organizations and their infrastructure in the PA, and to fully implement the first stage of the Roadmap. Israel expects the international community to maintain the policy it has taken over the past year of isolating the Palestinian government, until it recognizes the three principles of the Quartet. Israel is for peace with the Palestinians according to the Roadmap. Israel stands for a two-state solution. Israel is ready to initiate contacts with any government in the PA, whatever the composition of it may be, which fulfills the conditions of the international community, and will be willing to discuss all issues with it.