By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Abbas has announced that the PA will declare their unity with Hamas on Monday. In response, Israel has said that they will boycott the new government. The boycott will include withholding import taxes that Israel collects for the PA at Israeli ports.
The Palestinians are now threatening Israel. Look at Abbas comments from Sunday when he met with French pro-Palestinian leaders:
"The announcement of the government will be on Monday."
"The Israelis informed us today that they are going to boycott us immediately after we form the government."
"They are going to withhold our money."
"This is our money, not aid from Israel, and we will not stay silent. They want to punish us because we have an agreement with Hamas, which is part of our people."
"We say (the government) is going to recognize Israel, denounce violence and recognize the international agreements."
"This is a technocrat government. It has nothing to do with Fatah, Hamas or any factions."
Abbas also said that "we are going to react to any Israeli action."
This scenario has been played out before. In the end, after a few weeks, Israel will free the Palestinians taxes and transfer the money just as they have always done. Israel is showing its displeasure and is using the withholding of taxes as a strangle move. It is a gesture of strength.
After their recent successes with the Pope and UN agencies, Abbas and Hamas feel emboldened enough to make their next move. Israel's move is only temporary. The Palestinian move will probably be more long term.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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