Israel rules out dealing with Hamas

ACTING Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday ruled out contacts with a Hamas-led Palestinian government until the Islamic group renounces violence, while his defence minister threatened to “liquidate” Hamas militants involved in attacks.

The latest comments indicate Israel has no intention of backing down from the tough line it has taken since Hamas won a landslide victory in Palestinian legislative elections last week.

The group, which opposes the existence of Israel and has killed hundreds of Israelis in suicide bombings, is expected to lead the next Palestinian government, hurting the chances for a peace deal.