Hamas leader-in-exile Khaled Mashaal said Monday that time is working in favor of the "Palestinian dream," as Israel is not ready for peace. Voice of Israel Radio reported that Mashaal said that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is not popular and his government is weak, and that weak leaders cannot make peace.

Mashaal said that the present generation in Israel is "defeatist" and "tainted by corruption."

Rabbi Zalman Melamed, rabbi of Beit El and Dean of the Yeshivat Beit El Institutions, was contacted by Arutz-7 for his response to Mashaal's words, which was this: "The opposite is true; time is on our side, as we continue strengthening our hold in the Land of Israel. Finding and overcoming our weaknesses is not the problem, but is rather part of the solution."

Historian and journalist Tzafrir Ronen, a founder of the Nahalal forum of non-religious right-wing activists, said: "Mashaal is right. We can see it ourselves. The main problem we face today is the loss of our sense of justness of our cause. The Supreme Court should be tried itself for ruling [in 2005] that though the Disengagement/expulsion was a breach of human rights, it should be implemented anyway... However, the light at the end of the tunnel is this: We, the Zionists - it's no longer a question of right-wing or left-wing - must regain control of the country."

MK Otniel Shneller (Kadima), a resident of the Yesha community Michmash who believes in territorial compromise, said: "Mashaal is wrong, but I'm happy that his words of encouragement clarify two things for us. First of all, we must not be defeatist, and we must stand up for what is ours and not compromise on bad plans such as the Saudi initiative. Secondly, I thank him for pointing out how we broadcast to the world, because of narrow political interests of some of, a wrong and inappropriate image; perhaps now we will all understand that when we get down on each other for political reasons, we also weaken the whole society. The fight against corruption is important, but not the way it is being waged."

The Hamas terrorist leader made his statements during a visit in Yemen, where he met with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Saleh reiterated his full support for the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, and condemned Israel. Mashaal also visited in Iran of late, holding a cheerful meeting with Iranian President Ahmedinajad.

Mashaal Refuses to Recognize Israel
Hamas currently runs the Palestinian Authority legislature, while Mahmoud Abbas of the rival Fatah faction is the PA chairman. Efforts to form a unity government were snagged partially because of the Hamas refusal to recognize Israel. Though PA leaders now say that the unity government will be formed this week, Hamas continues to refuse to recognize Israel or to renounce terrorism.

In 2004, Mashaal was asked by BBC's Tim Sebastian of the Hardtalk program about the Hamas organization's attitude towards Israel. Excerpts from the interview, which took place on April 19, 2004:

Tim Sebastian: Answer me just one question. Does Israel have the right to exist in peace? Do you acknowledge the right of Israel to exist in peace?

Khaled Mashaal: We consider Palestine our land and this is our natural right and the occupation must end. Occupation cannot be divided.

TS: Answer the question, yes or no, does Israel have the right to exist? It's a very simple question.

KM: I am saying we have the right to our land and we have the right to be freed from occupation. Any occupation even if time goes by doesn't become legitimate.

TS: So the answer is no. Israel does not have the right to exist. That's what you're telling me.

KM: The occupation doesn't become legitimate even after a long time. You are talking about a fair and comprehensive peace. The Palestinian who was forced to leave his land in Haifa and Jafa, if he doesn't return to his land, how do you say this is fair? Why do you stick to your rights in Europe and the whole world while you ask us to drop ours?

TS: So Israel does not have the right to exist. Let's just clarify this once and for all. You're saying Israel does not have the right to exist... Let's just clarify that for the sake of the viewers, you're not going to answer my question because it's too difficult.

KM: This is not difficult. I answered in the spirit of the situation. Occupation must end regardless of the duration. Therefore, it is our right to hold on to our land.