Defense Minister Amir Peretz said Saturday that if Hamas were to recognize Israel and agree to abide by agreements previously accepted by the Palestinian Authority, he would urge the government to negotiate directly with Hamas. Speaking in a Rosh Hashana interview with Israel Radio Saturday, Peretz said that if Hamas met these conditions, a Palestinian unity government was not needed as a prerequisite to talks. Peretz added that it was necessary to "wait and see what the unity government's basic priniciples and orientation will be."
"What difference does it make what the government is called? If Hamas were to recognize Israel's right to exist, I would recommend direct talks with Hamas," Peretz said. The defense minister said a Palestinian unity government should be judged on the basis of whether it intends to take the path of negotiations with Israel, or continue on the path of terrorism. "If the unity government continues to declare its intent to destroy the State of Israel, we can't recognize it. If the unity government does not announce immediately the return of Gilad Shalit, we can't recognize it. If the Kassams don't stop, we'll have to continue to take military action to stop them," Peretz said. |