U.S. Supports Israeli Positions On Palestinian Unity Pact

The U.S. came out with its strongest statements yet regarding the accord signed between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party and Hamas, expressing support for Israel’s position not to engage in any diplomatic initiative with a Palestinian unity government unless Hamas agrees to disarm, end its terrorist activities and recognize the Jewish state’s right to exist. American special envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt affirmed that any future Palestinian political entity “must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence…accept previous agreements and obligations [with Jerusalem]… and commit to peaceful negotiations.” The comments come after Israel’s security cabinet vowed to shun any such talks until such time Abbas takes complete administrative and security control over Gaza, and that Hamas also return the bodies of two slain Israeli soldiers held by the terror group since the seven-week war in 2014. A major sticking point, however, remains the fate of Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Both Netanyahu and Abbas have called for its complete dismantlement, a demand Hamas has unambiguously refused; thereby raising fears of a repeat scenario such as in Lebanon, wherein Hizbullah effectively has veto power over the government by virtue of being the dominant military presence in the country. According to the unity agreement signed in Cairo earlier this month, Abbas’ Palestinian Authority is to assume full responsibilities in the Strip by December 1.