Deputy Defense Minister and Likud MK Danny Danon blasted the tacit acceptance and continued funding of the newly formed Palestinian Authority administration which now includes Hamas.
"It's not about the money," he told Arutz Sheva on Sunday, "it's an issue of morals."
MK Danon gave an exclusive interview on the News & Call-In Show with Tamar Yonah which airs live three days a week on the Israel National Radio live streaming audio feed.
For full mp3 download and/or streaming audio click here.
"I think we are now seeing Hamas becoming stronger," he stated, referring to the terrorist organization which controls Gaza and was previously a bitter rival of Fatah, the party of Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas. "Unfortunately instead of freezing the approximately $400 million a year, the U.S. Administration is continue this funding."
On June 2nd, United States State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki stated at a press conference, "based on what we know now we intend to work with this government... we continue to believe our assistance to the PA and the Palestinian people are important."
MK Danon retorted: "You can't fight Al-Qaeda and then also sponsor a terrorist organization."
Danon recently returned from a trip to the United States where he spoke at the annual Israel Day Concert in the Park in addition to traveling to Capital Hill in Washington DC.
"I was on the Hill last week and met with many leaders, and I can tell you that it is clear that the 2006 bill that passed Congress clearly states that funds cannot go to terrorism."
One of the stipulations of the bill to which MK Danon referred is "to urge members of the international community to avoid contact with and refrain from financially supporting the terrorist organization Hamas or a Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority [then only in Gaza - ed.] until Hamas agrees to recognize Israel, renounce violence, disarm, and accept prior agreements, including the Roadmap."
MK Danon added that in the event that the US would pull funding, the PA had other means at their disposal. "Don't be worried about them. They are already organizing a special fund from supporting Arab states."
For the full interview click here.