J Street Urges Caution Following Formation of Interim Palestinian Government

J Street urges the US and Israeli governments to adopt a watchful, waiting position in response to the formation of a new Palestinian government.

The government was formed from an agreement between President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party and Hamas which controls Gaza. However the cabinet is made up of ministers who are described by Abbas’ office as politically independent technocrats not affiliated with Hamas or any other party. Abbas has reiterated his government’s recognition of Israel and commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

International leaders, including those from the United States and Europe, have made clear that the new Palestinian government must accept the conditions set out by the Middle East Quartet; namely to recognize Israel, renounce violence and adhere to previous Israel-Palestinian agreements. Any government that continues to accept and abide by these terms should remain a partner for the United States.