Israel warns on Palestinian unity

Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday told the Israeli cabinet that the Palestinian unity government, which is expected to be formed on Monday, would "strengthen terrorism," as it would be affiliated with the militant group Hamas.

"I call on all responsible elements in the international community not to rush to recognize a Palestinian government which has Hamas as part of it and which is dependent on Hamas," Netanyahu said.

"Hamas is a terrorist organization that calls for Israel's destruction, and the international community must not embrace it," he added.

Hamas, which refuses to recognize Israel's existence, is classed as a terrorist organization both by Israel and the West.

'No violence'

But Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Fatah party signed a deal with Hamas in April to end a seven-year split between the two rival Palestinian factions, said Netanyahu's fears were unfounded.

Abbas said the government would be comprised of ministers without political affiliation, and will recognize Israel and renounce violence.

Hamas will not take part in the government, but has agreed to back it, fueling Israeli concerns.

On Saturday, Abbas said Israel had "informed us ... they would boycott us if we announced the government," though Netanyahu made no mention of Israeli sanctions in his statement on Sunday.

Israel froze US-brokered peace talks with Abbas when the unity deal with Hamas was announced on April 23.

The two Palestinian factions have been split since Hamas seized the Gaza Strip from Fatah forces in fighting in 2007.

tj/hc (Reuters, AP)