Mofaz probes legality of meeting with Hamas

Kadima's No. 2 MK consults legal experts on options for promotion of his plan for Palestinian statehood

Attila Somfalvi
Published: 11.09.09, 21:16 / Israel News

Knesset Member Shaul Mofaz (Kadima), has appealed to legal experts outside of Israel to examine the possibility of holding meetings with Hamas operatives, as part of his plan for Palestinian statehood.

He has not yet consulted officials in Israel on the matter.

Reception

Hamas says Mofaz peace plan 'important step' / Attila Somfalvi

Kadima MK and former IDF chief presents plan for establishment of Palestinian state, says Israel should consider negotiating with Hamas if it changes its ways. Senior Hamas figure al-Masri: This is a very important step, but we are interested in its translation from talk into action

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Earlier Monday, Kadima's number two man met with US Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham, at the latter's request, and presented his plan for Palestinian statehood.

The surprising plan was first revealed on Sunday, and calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state with temporary borders in the West Bank.

Mofaz and Cunningham have agreed to meet again, and next week Mofaz is scheduled to visit Washington to present his plan to US officials and members of the academia.

While presenting his plan to reporters Mofaz said, "If (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu won't implement this plan, I will do so when I become prime minister."

He added, "If Hamas is elected and chooses to negotiate – Israel must conduct dialogue with any group that changes its behavior."

Hamas spokesmen immediately responded to Mofaz's offer by saying they would refuse to talk to the "Zionist occupier", but Hamas legislator Mushir al-Masri had a more positive message.

"This was a very important step, but we are interested in its translation from talk into action," al-Masri told Ynet. He added that he would not dismiss any offer "if it is based on the recognition of the basic rights of the Palestinian people and its right to be rid of occupation".

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