Israeli general says Hamas needed for Gaza stability

[Jefferson23]

JERUSALEM (AFP) -- The general responsible for Israel's border with the Gaza Strip says that continued rule by Hamas is necessary for its stability, Israeli media reported Tuesday.

"The alternative would be the Israeli military and chaos in governance," top-selling Yediot Aharonot quoted Major General Sami Turgeman as telling heads of southern Israel local authorities in the Gaza border area on Monday.

The military spokesman's office told AFP that it had no transcript of Turgeman's remarks and therefore could not verify them.

The statement come in stark contrast to general rhetoric of current right wing Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has consistently gained support through vocal condemnation of the Hamas movement.

http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=765374

[bravenak]

1. Very interesting if it turns out to be true.

[Jefferson23]

2. He is being pragmatic and essentially doing his job, he is well aware that Gaza would pose

all kinds of problems for Israel and I think it is safe to say he knows Bibi is an idiot.

In addition he is confirming the mow the lawn approach, every couple of years:

*Turgeman predicted a continued build-up of Hamas's armed capabilities and renewed Gaza fighting "every few years."

"The alternative is to try to find periods of quiet, as much as possible," Turgeman said, arguing against rightist proposals that Israel retake sovereignty over the coastal enclave.