BICOM

Responding to a combative speech made by Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Gaza over the weekend, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet yesterday that Meshaal’s comments were a reminder that Hamas wants to destroy Israel.

Meshaal, who has been the overall leader of Hamas since 2004, visited the Gaza Strip for the first time over the weekend, having previously been barred entry by Israel and by Egypt. Meshaal has overseen numerous suicide bombings and attacks on buses, cafes and in other public places that have killed hundreds of Israelis. Marking the twenty fifth anniversary of the founding of Hamas, Meshaal addressed a huge crowd in Gaza City, reiterating Hamas’ refusal to recognise Israel’s right to exist, saying “We will never recognise the legitimacy of the Israeli occupation and therefore there is no legitimacy for Israel.” Meshaal then vowed to “free Jerusalem inch by inch, stone by stone” through armed struggle, saying that political, legal and diplomatic efforts were “senseless without resistance.”

Speaking at the start of the cabinet meeting yesterday, Netanyahu addressed Meshaal’s comments and told government ministers “Over the last 24 hours we have been exposed, again, to Hamas’ true colours,” explaining that Hamas “Has no intention of ever reaching a compromise with us. They want to destroy Israel.”  As a result, Netanyahu said that he “Has no illusions. We want true peace with our neighbours but we are not oblivious to reality. We won’t make another mistake like a unilateral withdrawal – the kind that has landed Hamas in power in Gaza,” for fear that it will lead to “Gaza on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, Hadera and Kfar Saba.”

Netanyahu cautioned, “This is why we have to stand up to international pressure, and that’s what the Israeli leadership should be – devoid of illusions and protective of Israel’s interests.”