Minister of Regional Cooperation (Likud) Tzachi Hanegbi on Tuesday morning said that the prime minister’s promise in 2009 that he would collapse the Hamas government was meaningless. His statement surprised many, as Hanegbi is known to be close to the prime minister.

In an interview with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Wednesday, he elaborated, explaining: “We do not have to attribute significance to what politicians say on the eve of elections.”

Minister Hanegbi said that there is a difference between things that are said when you are in opposition and that when you are in power and in control.

He also referred to an arrangement with Hamas that is taking shape and said that there is a consensus in the cabinet to reach a long-term settlement in exchange for complete quiet, and only [Bayit Yehudi party Minister Naftali] Bennet is in a different position.

According to Hanegbi, three principles form the basis of the consensus in the cabinet. The first – “Quiet will respond quietly.” In other words, no agreement will be signed with Hamas to stop the attacks if Hamas fires rockets or kites.

Hanegbi’s second principle was to solve the fundamental humanitarian problems in Gaza. “It may help Hamas, but there are two million poor and miserable people there without a future and a horizon or a hope for a normal life,” he said. “We are in favor of the world having a good influence on infrastructure projects in Gaza.”

Hanegbi’s third principle was the return of the prisoners held by Hamas. He said no agreement or arrangement would be signed without returning the bodies of the missing persons and civilians held by Hamas.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)