Israel warns PA over plans to reconcile with Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday launched an attack on the Palestinian Authority (PA) because it is holding unity talks with Hamas and may dissolve itself.

During a speech to mark the Jewish Passover in a city near Haifa, Netanyahu said: “It is time for the Palestinians to take their decisions. If they desire to make peace, they have to tell us.”

Regarding the claims of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, he said: “The Israeli army will continue attacking Israel’s enemies with excessive force until the residents of Israel feel secure.”

“We hope that, on the other end, Hamas and other organisations get the hint, accept the message and keep Gaza calm,” Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon said. “If not, they should know that we will act on it.”

Meanwhile, the head of the Jewish Home party Naftali Bennett called for facing the intention of Fatah and Hamas to reconcile with Israeli popular unity.

He described the potential unity between the two Palestinian rival parties as a “terrorist unity”.