Israel calls for boycott of unity government

Jerusalem: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned against any international rush to recognise a Palestinian government due to be announced under a unity pact between the Fatah and Hamas Islamist groups. Israel and the West classify Hamas as a terrorist organisation and have no official dealings with the movement, which advocates the destruction of the Jewish state.

But Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Fatah party signed a reconciliation deal with Hamas in April, said a unity government due to be announced on Monday would be comprised of ministers without political affiliation, a status that could ease the way for Western engagement.

“I call on all responsible elements in the international community not to rush to recognise a Palestinian government which has Hamas as part of it,” Mr Netanyahu said.