Source: The Jerusalem Post
Jan 17, 2007
America's new ambassador to Israel, Richard Jones, sees something positive for Israel in the potential civil war brewing among the Palestinian Arabs.
He told The Jerusalem Post Tuesday the tensions between Fatah and the Hamas could teach the "Palestinians" the futility of terrorism as the kind of violence they are used to directing against Israel was now coming back to hurt them.
"Israel is no longer doing anything against the Palestinians in Gaza, but still bad things are happening to Palestinians, so that is good for you because it shows the Palestinians that terror is not in their interests because it will be directed against them."
Jones said the internecine strife was strengthening support for Fatah at Hamas' expense, which was favorable for Israel.
The ambassador is expected to push Washington's position: Fatah is "moderate" while Hamas is "extremist."
In reality, though, both groups advocate the total destruction of Israel by violent and diplomatic means.