DisUnity Government

Hamas and Fatah and their flacks in the media continue to claim that they're getting close on a unity government. Never mind that they've been saying this for more than a year. Also, Abbas, Meshaal, and Haniyeh haven't okayed the deal. The media reports on a deal are yet more wishful thinking.

The key stumbling block is the same as it has always been - the recognition of Israel's right to exist.

Hamas refuses to recognize it, even as taqiya. Fatah at least plays the game, knowing that the financial aid will flow, even as it dreams of Israel's annihilation some time down the road.

Oh, and while construction continues near the Temple Mount to provide improved access to the Temple Mount where Jews are routinely warned to stay away because the Muslims might riot, a most lovely threat from Abbas' al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade minions:

The Aksa Martyrs' Brigades declared Wednesday that they would attack synagogues if any damage were done to the Muslim holy site.

No word on riots for all the damage done to Jewish or Christian holy sites around the world.

The Israelis are going to have webcams set up to show that no harm will come to the Temple Mount or the al Aqsa mosque. If only the Muslims were so careful about preserving the historical treasures and landmarks of other religious groups. The Israelis have had to increase their security presence to avert potential rioting by Palestinians.

Other Arab and Islamist leaders routinely pick up on this to further their own agendas at Israel's expense.

Carl in Jerusalem has more.

UPDATE:
So, has Hamas and Fatah agreed on a unity government? Does this pass the smell test?

The Palestinian ambassador to Riyadh, Jamal al-Shobaki, said that the agreement "regulates the distribution of portfolios and the unity government's political stances."

It was agreed, among other things, that President Mahmoud Abbas will lead the negotiations with Israel, and the Hamas government's special security force will be integrated into the authority's security forces, which are affiliated with Fatah.

Palestinian sources close to the talks said before the announcement of an agreement that Hamas was ready to "respect" the accords with Israel if they "did not contradict Palestinian interests".

But Abbas was seeking a clear statement that it would be "committed" to them, to ensure the sanctions end.

Earlier, the sides agreed on the names of two independents for the finance and foreign affairs portfolios, said sources from Hamas and Fatah. The interior ministry will also go to an independent but the two sides have yet to agree on a candidate, they said.

Considering that Hamas considers Israel to be an illegal entity and doesn't recognize its existence, what does this new formulation of diplobabble mean?

Well, what exactly are Palestinian interests that could be contradicted? It means anything that might mean that the Palestinians have to uphold their side of bargains. It means that they can continue their fight against Israel, while being able to denounce the security fence, checkpoints designed to stop suicide bombers, and Israel's ability to defend itself from terrorist attacks. It means that they can continue their jihad against Israel, but use the cover of diplomacy when it furthers their interests.

This is yet another sham deal, but expect the diplomats to look on approvingly and open the floodgates because they're more than willing to overlook the fact that Hamas still doesn't recognize Israel's right to exist.