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Israel Bracing for Hamas Terrorism after PA Elections

(Jerusalem Post) Herb Keinon - The defense establishment is bracing for an upturn in Hamas terrorism after the planned Jan. 25 PA elections. While the elections are likely to take place as scheduled, there is a huge question mark over whether the results would be compiled or publicized, given the current anarchic situation. In this situation, a Defense Ministry official said Israel's concern was that Hamas would then vent its frustration at Israel. U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Elliott Abrams and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch arrived Wednesday for talks about the upcoming Palestinian elections and the day after. Israel will not deal with Hamas, a terrorist organization calling for its destruction. The National Democratic Institute/Carter Center put out a "pre-election assessment" of the PA elections last Friday which took the Palestinians to task for Hamas's participation in the balloting. The report stated that "Hamas's current political participation, while simultaneously advocating violence, undermines a fundamental principle of democratic elections." Former president Jimmy Carter has informed the Israeli consulate in Atlanta that he will come to the area to help monitor the elections.
2006-01-09 00:00:00
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