Acting PM Olmert holds discussion on policy regarding Hamas
April 10, 2006

(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today (Sunday, April 9, 2006) held a discussion on policy regarding Hamas following the swearing-in of the Palestinian government. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Internal Security Minister Gideon Ezra, Minister Tzahi Hanegbi, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz, Israel Security Agency Director Yuval Diskin, GOC Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Yedlin, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj.-Gen. Yosef Mishlav, and National Security Council Chairman Giora Eiland were among those attending.

Defense Minister Mofaz presented the security establishment's recommendations on steps Israel should take following the rise of the Hamas regime. Foreign Minister Livni presented the international community's position.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert summarized the discussion as follows:

Israel will not hold ties with the Palestinian Authority, which is a hostile authority, and will act to prevent the administrative establishment of the Hamas government.

The Palestinian Authority is one authority and does not have two heads; links with it will be reduced and no ties will be held with it. There will be no personal disavowal of the Palestinian Authority chairman.

Foreign visitors who meet with Hamas officials will not be received for meetings with Israeli officials.

Israel will coordinate with the international community regarding humanitarian assistance for the needs of the Palestinian population, not via the Palestinian Authority establishment.

Subject to security considerations, the Gaza Strip crossings will be open in order to allow the entry of humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip.
Olmert announced that these recommendations would be submitted for cabinet approval soon.