Security officials are warning against sweet talk and
doublespeak by the Hamas government. In public Hamas heads
are issuing moderate proclamations to win over the
international community but in practice the Hamas is working
toward its long-term goal of annihilating Israel as stated
explicitly in its charter. The head of the IDF intelligence
called the Hamas' policy "a honey trap."
"The possibility of a political arrangement with the
Palestinians is finished," acting PM Ehud Olmert said at this
week's cabinet meeting and told the Chief of Staff and the
GSS head they would receive backing in handling terrorist
figures. His remarks came after security officials warned
against the "sweet talk" and "honey trap" by the new Hamas
government.
Chief of Staff Dan Chalutz said the Hamas' policy is
unmistakable and that it should be evaluated according to
internal remarks rather than public proclamations by
organization heads. He also said the Hamas should be seen as
a long-term threat and therefore a policy decision must be
reached today.
IDF Intelligence Head Gen. Amos Yadlin said he foresees "a
two-headed rule" of the PA by Fatah and the Hamas, warning
the latter would try to present a moderate image while
continuing to build up its military arm and would not combine
it with the security apparatuses. The Hamas' goal would be to
attain legitimacy and then to immediately legislate laws in
accordance with Islam.
National Security Council head Giora Eiland had a slightly
different view. He says Israel would lose its international
backing if it imposed sanctions on the Palestinians. Eiland
said Israel must act astutely in order to enjoy freedom of
activity in the future. He warned against actions perceived
as inflicting harm against the civilian population. The head
of the GSS said in the Palestinian streets the Hamas is
voicing very harsh stances against Israel, while presenting a
toned-down version to the international community. Diskin
warned against Hamas' promises for a prolonged hudna
to allow it to strengthen its foundations and build up its
military forces. He also surprised observers by saying the
Hamas' rise to power would have both a short-term and long-
term impact on Israeli Arabs.
