Israeli's security cabinet on Tuesday decided to ratchet up military pressure on Palestinian resistance group Hamas and make conditions worse for Hamas-affiliated detainees languishing in Israeli prisons.
"The public security minister has been authorized to make conditions worse for Hamas members being held in Israeli prisons," a senior Israeli official told the Haaretz daily newspaper.
According to the official, stepped-up military pressure on Hamas will include the arrest of additional movement members and hampering the group's civilian infrastructure.
The official said the security cabinet would hold another meeting in coming days to discuss further steps against the Gaza-based group.
According to the official, Israel will use diplomatic means to attempt to "delegitimize" a recent reconciliation agreement between Hamas and the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA).
"We hold the PA responsible for any terrorist attack originating from its territory," the official said.
"We're preparing for a long-term operation and patience is required. The prime minister will continue to consult with the security establishment all day," he said.
The Israeli government accuses Hamas of abducting three settlers who went missing from the West Bank's Gush Etzion settlement last Thursday – a claim the Palestinian group categorically denies.
Israeli forces have arrested scores of Palestinians, including several Hamas lawmakers, in connection with the settlers' disappearance.
By Abdel-Raouf Arnaout
englishnews@aa.com.tr
www.aa.com.tr/en
