Bennett Slams 'Protection racket' Formula in Talks with Hamas.

Bennett Slams 'Protection racket' Formula in Talks with Hamas.(INN). HT: IsraelMatzav.

Economics Minister Naftali Bennett (Jewish Home) strongly opposes the push for Israel to agree to Hamas's economic demands, which would include paying the salaries of Hamas officials working against Israel politically and militarily in Gaza.

"Over the last day, reports have surfaced that Israel has agreed to finance Hamas's officials in Gaza," Bennett fired.

"This is a dangerous euphemism. This is political protection money: you pay us, then we'll shoot you later; you don't pay us, then we'll shoot you right now."

The money will inevitably go toward rebuilding terror tunnels, and manufacturing or importing missiles, Bennett said.

"This is a formula of calm for cash," he continued. This way, he explained, "the State of Israel leaves Gaza with the continued strengthening of Hamas and damage to our deterrence. It is impossible to fight our enemy with one hand and to fund it with the other."

Bennett also strongly rejected arguments that Hamas will not use the money for terror.
"This is exactly the reason that Hamas insists on obtaining financing," he dismissed.

Estimates that money is the prime factor behind Hamas's agreement to resume negotiations in Cairo last week persist amidst confusion over the talks' progress.Hmmm....You don't negotiate with terrorists or their allies.

Related:

Hamas Clarifies Truce Would Only Be to Plan Next War

Hamas's "military wing," the Al-Qassam Brigades, released a statement presenting its position on the ongoing talks in Egypt.

"The warriors in Gaza are waiting with Allah's help to renew the fighting, or to return to planning the next campaign. There's no escape. Either jihad or planning (for the next jihad)," declared the statement.

The remarks leave no doubts that even in the case of a truce, from Hamas's perspective the lull in fighting would only be an opportunity to rearm for the next terror war on the Jewish state. This facet is particularly concerning in light of reports of Israel agreeing to finance Hamas's officials in Gaza as part of an agreement.