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Jerusalem

Olmert-led cabinet approves J?lem PA vote

Former mayor oversees paving of way for Hamas win in the capital


By Stan Goodenough
January 15, 2006

In a move that plays right into the hands of Israel?s most implacable foes and seems to defy reason, Israel?s Cabinet voted Sunday to permit Palestinian Arabs in Jerusalem to vote in the Jewish capital when PA elections are held next week.

The decision was taken despite the fact that the Hamas terrorist organization, the most blood-soaked of Israel?s enemies, is resolved to run on the ballot and looks set to snap up all four Jerusalem seats.

Sunday?s Cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Acting-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert who, as former mayor of Jerusalem, used to vow that the city would never be divided between Israel and the Arabs.

The stand-in Kadima Party leader is believed to have cast his vote in support of the decision, which comes after the Bush administration insisted that Israel allow the ?Palestinians? to hold free and unimpeded elections everywhere in Gaza, Judea and Samaria.

Olmert reportedly described the Cabinet vote as a "net Israeli decision" and stressed that Hamas members would be barred from holding an election campaign in the city.

As an indication of what this prevention would entail, Israeli police Saturday night arrested three Arab youths who were pasting Hamas election posters in Jerusalem.

Pundits believe such trivial Israeli efforts will only serve to increase popular support for the terror group in the last few days before the poll.

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