Halted peace talks between Israel and Palestinians

Jerusalem - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced yesterday that Israel is suspending its involvement in peace talks and planning a series of sanctions against the Palestinians.

“The government of Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian government that relies on Hamas”, the statement said, noting the Cabinet decision was unanimous.

Instead of choosing peace with Israel, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made “a pact with a murderous terror organization that calls for Israel’s destruction”, Netanyahu said, adding that Israel would not hold talks with the Palestinians as long as the unity initiative continues.

The sanctions to come include a plan to deduct Palestinian debts to Israeli companies from the tax revenues Israel collects for the frequently cash-strapped Palestinian Authority.

Israel rejects Hamas as a terror organization. The U.S. and Europe hold similar positions.

“The two-state solution is the only game in town”, Palestinian politician Jibril Rajub told Israeli media, calling both Israel’s government as well as Palestinian factions to support Abbas’ policies.

“Hamas wages classic terror ... Abu Mazen wages diplomatic terror”, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said. Tourism Minister Uzi Landau was more blunt, saying it was “like the difference between Jack the Ripper and the Boston Strangler”.