Israel halts peace talks after Palestinian unity deal

Israel has broken off Middle East peace talks and brought the US-brokered process to the brink of collapse.

The move came in protest at a reconciliation agreement between the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and the militant group Hamas, the Jewish state’s sworn enemy.

Israel’s Security Cabinet made the decision during a marathon emergency meeting convened to discuss the new Palestinian deal. The rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah announced the reconciliation plan on Wednesday, meant to end a seven-year rift.

Israel objects to any participation in Palestinian politics by Hamas, which has killed hundreds of Israelis in suicide bombings and other attacks over the past two decades.

In a statement issued by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the government said it would not hold negotiations with a government “backed by Hamas”.

“Instead of choosing peace, Abu Mazen formed an alliance with a murderous terrorist organisation that calls for the destruction of Israel,” the statement said, referring to a name Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas is also known by.

The statement said Israel also would respond to Mr Abbas’ recent decision to join 15 international conventions “with a series of steps,” language that typically refers to financial sanctions against Palestinians.

US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki refused to declare the negotiations over and said the US is “still making the effort”.