- The Washington Times - Sunday, April 27, 2014

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his country will not participate in peace talks with Palestine as long as the Palestinian government is backed by the terrorist organization Hamas.

“I call on [Palestinian] President [Mahmoud] Abbas: Tear up your pact with Hamas. Recognize the Jewish state. Participate in a real peace process,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

Peace talks can only continue if Palestine severs its connection with the terrorist organization or if Hamas takes back its threats against Israel.

“Either Hamas disavows the destruction of Israel and embraces peace and renounces terror or President Abbas renounced Hamas,” Mr. Netanyahu said. “One of those things has to happen to continue peace talks.”

He said, however, that he’s not willing to accept a stalemate. If he can’t reach an agreement with this Palestinian government, he said he and his cabinet members will work to find another solution.

• Jacqueline Klimas can be reached at jklimas@washingtontimes.com.

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