Hamas officials' residency to be revoked

The three legislators are Mohammad Taoutah, Mohammad Abu Tir, and Ahmad Adoun. The four members' petitions to postpone the procedure were rejected this week.

The interior minister informed the four that he would revoke their residencies if they do not quit their jobs within a month. Hamas is defined as a terror organization and the interior minister's announcement relies on this ruling.

The decrees were sent to the four officials' homes, after the issue was legally examined by the justice minister.

Bar-On explained at the time: "The Prime Minister stated he has no intentions of playing games with Hamas. Hamas is a hostile organization. People who hold posts in parliament and the Hamas government have no place in Israel."

The minister said under Israeli law, holder of permanent residency status should exhibit loyalty to the State.

Hopes for diplomatic solution

The arrests of Palestinian ministers Wednesday night shocked the Palestinia political system. In a meeting held by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, it was decided to delay the Israel Defense Forces planned operation in the northern Gaza Strip in order to enable a progress in the diplomatic talks in a bid to return kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and in a bid to examine whether Hamas will capitulate and release the soldier without further steps, especially in light of the arrests of its leaders.

The possibility that diplomacy will lead to an overall ceasefire in the region is also being examined.

The Gaza operation was also delayed in response to a demand made by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in a meeting with foreign ministers of the industrialized countries, in which she asked Israel to act with restraint.

Israel is also awaiting a meeting between Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman and Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal, expected to take place over the weekend, in which the Egyptian will try and promote a solution to the crisis.

Overall, Israel is encouraged by the international response. Senior state officials said that in the meantime, apart from self-controlled remarks, Israel's moves are accepted.

"The world acknowledges Israel's right for self-defense," an official said.

American Ambassador to Israel Richard Jones said that the United States has been involved in comprehensive talks with European governments and other involved regimes in a bid to solve the crisis.

A quick solution will prevent escalation and is better for the Israeli captive and for the Palestinian people, who are paying the price of its leaders' foolishness, the ambassador said.

Jones said that he was very worried by the situation and expected the solution to be solved diplomatically. He made the remarks in a conversation with former Israeli Ambassador to the US Zalman Shoval during an event held ahead of the American Independence Day.

I am afraid the events may deteriorate and therefore I turn to the abductors and ask them to immediately release the soldier, he said.