Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon told United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in a meeting in New York City that while Israel wishes to assist Gaza in rebuilding its economy, if Jerusalem learns materials are being used to rearm instead of rebuilding, it will halt deliveries at Gaza crossings.

The senior minister reminded the UN leader that Hamas this week announced its plan to reconstruct terrorist tunnels, and announcement that has government officials in Israel concerned and worried.

Regarding the UN leaders harsh statements against Israel over the bombing of a UN facility during Operation Protective Edge, Ya’alon explained that what is troublesome is the fact Hamas was using the UN facility to store and launch weapons and to provide terrorists with a safe haven.

In respect to the diplomatic process between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority), Ya’alon highlighted that despite statements from senior PA officials that Gaza, Yehuda and Shomron are one, in reality, Abu Mazen is not in any hurry to take over responsibility for Gaza.

Ya’alon also stressed the fact that Abu Mazen often takes unilateral actions to sidestep negotiations with Israel, reminding Moon that most recently, the PA is pushing ahead seeking a UN declaration rather than continue direct negotiations with Israel towards achieving a long-term agreement to end the conflict.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)