Let' make a deal, episode 999999

You know, I am almost embarrassed to announce that another unity government deal between the Fatah and Hamas has been reached. I count this as the 4th agreement to date since the January election. Arutz Sheva carries the details:

Senior Hamas official Yechiye Moussa released a statement that an agreement has been reached between Hamas and Fatah permitting the establishment of a unity government in the PA.

Contradicting earlier statements, it is now being reported that while Hamas will still head the Palestinian Authority (PA), the current prime minister, Ismail Haniyah, will step aside and appoint a replacement.

Since Haniyah was elected to office, the western community did not recognize the legitimacy of a Hamas government, resulting in an economic boycott against the PA and its institutions.

Despite formidable pressure on the current Hamas-led administration, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah refused to comply with American dictates, stating his party will never recognize Israel’s right to exist. Haniyah scoffed at the American-led monetary sanctions, and tried to raise funds among Arab nations. His attempts were not sufficient, and many employees of PA institutions stopped receiving their regular monthly salaries. The lack of funds led to widespread discontent and violent demonstrations against the elected government.

Following the reported coalition deal, Hamas leaders are signaling that they will remain the ruling party and that Haniyah has already selected a new prime minister. The candidate must be approved by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), who also serves as head of the rival Fatah Party.

It was also reported that Haniyah and Abu Mazen were scheduled to meet in Gaza on Monday for a joint press conference, but the event has been postponed, due to “technical reasons".

In order to lift the American-led monetary embargo against the PA, analysts say that Hamas will have to exhibit a modicum of flexibility. They will have to show willingness to comply with the demands of the Quartet forum, which include recognition of Israel's right to exist, compliance with previously signed agreements, disarming terror organizations, and halting terror attacks.

But analysts in Israel warn that if and when Hamas does express such flexibility in its statements, it will be nothing more than meaningless verbiage..”

Kind of makes me wonder, if Lieberman’s statement influenced Haniyah’s decision to step down despite being duly elected to his position by the Palestinian electorate?