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Israel decries US 'knife in back' over Palestinian govt
The Pariahs of the world crying foul?
Israel decries US 'knife in back' over Palestinian govt
Jerusalem (AFP) - Washington's support for a new Palestinian government backed by Israel's Islamist foe Hamas, has left the Jewish state feeling betrayed, triggering a new crisis with its closest ally.
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Several Israeli ministers expressed public anger on Tuesday after the US State Department said it was willing to work with the new Palestinian unity government put together by the West Bank leadership and Gaza's Hamas rulers.
Technocratic in nature, the new government was sworn in on Monday in front of president Mahmud Abbas, with Washington offering its backing several hours later.
Israel admitted it was "deeply disappointed."
"I have to say I do not understand this American announcement," said Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz, accusing Washington of saying one thing behind closed doors and another in public.
"You cannot present it as a Hamas government internally, then present it publically as a government of technocrats," he told army radio.
"If these (ministers) are people who identify with Hamas, Hamas identifies with them and appointed them, then they are representatives of Hamas. This is a Hamas government, and Hamas is a terror organisation," he said.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the new cabinet would be judged "by its actions."
The Pariahs of the world crying foul?
Israel decries US 'knife in back' over Palestinian govt
Jerusalem (AFP) - Washington's support for a new Palestinian government backed by Israel's Islamist foe Hamas, has left the Jewish state feeling betrayed, triggering a new crisis with its closest ally.
Related Stories
Palestinians form unity Cabinet amid Israel threat Associated Press
Don't 'hurry' to back Palestinian govt, Israel PM says AFP
Netanyahu urges world not to recognise Palestinian unity government Reuters
EU open to working with Palestinian unity government Reuters
Negotiator: Palestinian unity government this week Associated Press
Several Israeli ministers expressed public anger on Tuesday after the US State Department said it was willing to work with the new Palestinian unity government put together by the West Bank leadership and Gaza's Hamas rulers.
Technocratic in nature, the new government was sworn in on Monday in front of president Mahmud Abbas, with Washington offering its backing several hours later.
Israel admitted it was "deeply disappointed."
"I have to say I do not understand this American announcement," said Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz, accusing Washington of saying one thing behind closed doors and another in public.
"You cannot present it as a Hamas government internally, then present it publically as a government of technocrats," he told army radio.
"If these (ministers) are people who identify with Hamas, Hamas identifies with them and appointed them, then they are representatives of Hamas. This is a Hamas government, and Hamas is a terror organisation," he said.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the new cabinet would be judged "by its actions."