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Hamas Head Ismail Haniyeh Now on U.S. Terrorist List

(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Yoni Ben Menachem - On Jan. 31, 2018, the U.S. State Department announced the inclusion of Ismail Haniyeh, director of the political bureau of Hamas, on its terrorist blacklist. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Haniyeh threatens the stability of the Middle East and is destroying the peace process with Israel. Haniyeh supports armed activities, including against civilians. Immediately following President Trump's declaration of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, Haniyeh called for a Palestinian intifada using every means. He declared his objective was to work with Iran to torpedo Trump's diplomatic plan even before it became public. Hamas sources state that Haniyeh is leading the Palestinian opposition to Trump's deal along with Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Haniyeh's name was added to the U.S. list of senior Hamas officials, including Mohammed Deif, chief commander of Hamas' military wing, and political bureau members Yahya Sinwar, Ruhi Mushtaha, Fathi Hamad, and Ahmed al-Ghandour. Similarly, the leader of Islamic Jihad, Dr. Abdullah Ramadan Shalah, and his deputy, Ziad Nahalla, appear on the list. The U.S. administration is also sending Mahmoud Abbas a message: take note of what happens to other Palestinian leaders who oppose President Trump's plan. The writer is a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television.
2018-02-08 00:00:00
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