JERUSALEM, Feb 18: The Palestinian Authority (PA) will have defined itself as a ‘hostile entity’ if a Hamas-led government does not recognise Israel’s right to exist, a senior Israeli government official said on Saturday after a new parliament was sworn in.

“If they do not accept all three conditions — which are non-negotiable — then there’s no relationship and they will have defined themselves as a hostile entity,” said the official.

However, the centre-left Labour Party praised the inaugural speech made by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas as a ‘brave step’, with Labour official Efraim Sneh saying it created a chance for dialogue without involving Hamas.

“His speech has opened a window of opportunity for dialogue which bypasses Hamas and Israel needs to act via this channel,” Mr Sneh told army radio.

Yossi Beilin, chairman of the dovish Meretz party, also called on the government to respond positively to Mr Abbas’s speech and to reopen a channel of negotiation with the Palestinians.

“Israel made a mistake in weakening the Palestinian Authority and Abu Mazen (Abbas),” he said.

“It will only compound that mistake if it imposes sanctions on the Palestinians.”—AFP