Hamas insists it won't recognize Israel, despite promise to Abbas to keep low profile

The Associated Press
Published Wednesday, November 15, 2006

JERUSALEM -- Hamas insisted Tuesday it would not recognize Israel even after a unity government takes power in the Palestinian territories, complicating efforts to form a more moderate coalition that would clear the way for vital foreign aid.

The militant Islamic group suggested, however, that the emerging coalition would be free to stake out a different position, apparently hoping the ambiguity in its statements will allow it to preserve its anti-Israel ideology but loosen international sanctions that have crippled the Palestinian economy.

The tough talk came despite Hamas' promises to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that it would refrain from incendiary public statements during the delicate coalition talks.

Abbas was meeting with the leaders of Jordan and Egypt on Tuesday and today to win their blessing for what he hopes will be a broader package deal, including not only formation of a moderate government, but also a cease-fire with Israel and an Israel-Hamas prisoner swap.

For Abbas' plan to work, Israel and the West must accept the premise that Hamas is largely ceding power by making room for a 24-member Cabinet of independent administrators.

The monthslong deadlock over whether the new government would recognize Israel is to be solved by a division of labor: Abbas and his Palestine Liberation Organization would lead peace talks, while the government of experts runs daily life in the Palestinian territories.

In such a constellation, the argument goes, the government does not need to take a position on whether to recognize Israel or renounce violence, because it deals with more mundane issues.

However, the international community has demanded such declarations in exchange for lifting its aid boycott.