New York Times Article
JERUSALEM, Feb. 19 — Israel's cabinet decided today to immediately freeze the transfer of about $50 million a month in tax and customs receipts due to the Palestinian Authority, arguing that Saturday's swearing in of a Hamas-dominated legislature means that the Palestinians are now led by the militant group.Hamas is certainly a militant group that does not recognize the legitimacy of Israel.
But the same could be said about Likud. Sharon is a war criminal responsible for ruthlessly killing civilians, exploiting violence and death for political gain, creator of illegal settlements that have underminded safety and legitimacy of the Israeli state and worse corrupted the soul of Judaism. His first act was to immediately halt possible successful peace treaty almost completed by Former Prime Minister Barak.
And yet Sharon has proving surprising. Defying his hard line party and withdrawing from territory. Admittedly territory Israel never wanted, but still, a HUGE step in the process. There was further talk he was going to do the same in many places in the West Bank. Even halting construction on future Settlements.
Apprehension about Hamas could easily be placed on Likud. Maybe we need these two hard line groups to with the only credibility as rightest to achieve real peace. Because if Hamas and Likud (or the new Likud-lite Kadima Party) can agree to peace, then we know it can last.
At the end of the day. Hamas is a legitimately elected government that has the right to govern. Israel, Fatah, even the US have the right to be critical of the new government's positions. They have the right to critize, and if their soveriegnty threatened, react. But While Hamas is a domestic rightful authority decided by democratic means they should be granted that inherent respect.
For Israel to act otherwise is wrong. It is Israeli money. As a country who I have the right to citizenship, and as a Jew I am ashamed of the action.
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