Israel didn't allow Hamas on the Palestinian ballots. So how did Hamas win?

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5159111

Israel Bars Hamas from Voting in East Jerusalem
by Eric Westervelt

Morning Edition, January 16, 2006 · Israel's Cabinet met Sunday in the absence of ailing Prime Minister Sharon. Members decided to approve a plan allowing Palestinian elections in East Jerusalem, but will not allow candidates from the militant group Hamas on the ballots there.

Can someone splain this?

[Kagemusha]

1. Notwithstanding that's only East Jerusalem...

Maybe they wrote Hamas on the ballots and the Palestinians counted them anyway?

[NNN0LHI]

2. Does Israel allow write in candidates?

I am not positive, but I doubt they do seeing it appears the Israelis are running these "elections."

Don

[creeksneakers2]

3. The US persuaded the Israelis to change their minds

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/27/AR2006012701562.html

When Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned in September that he would try to block Hamas's participation unless it disbanded its militia and accepted Israel's right to exist, the administration forced the Israelis to back off. "Elections are fundamental to the continued evolution and development of the Palestinian process," Rice said.

[no_hypocrisy]

4. "Elections are fundamental to the continued evolution and

development of the Palestinian process," Rice said.

Famous last words . . .