Move comes in response to Operation Pillar of Defense, Hamas Interior Minister says, “following the [Israeli] aggression, Hamas has drawn all the conclusions to avoid any negative developments and activate innovations.”
Former Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert expressed his “utter surprise” at the Israeli government’s apparent alienation of the US administration in the immediate aftermath of America’s staunch defence of Israel at last week UN General Assembly in New York, after Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet dismayed its allies by announcing plans to build 3,000 homes as part of a Jerusalem settlement complex.
Likud accuses former FM Livni of wanting to bring Hamas closer to the West Bank; Yesh Atid and Labor decry decision to split Center-Left bloc, Kadima's Yisrael Hasson: Livni does not have a gram of truth in her.
Mashaal calls PA president to back bid in unexpected change of heart; Hamas spokesman Abu Zuhri says group backs any political gain Abbas can achieve at UN ''without causing harm to the national Palestinian rights.''
Defense minister says he has been considering quitting for some time, but Operation Pillar of Defense delayed his decision; Yacimovich says she regrets Barak's decision, hopes he continues to advise policy.