Hamas Chief Warns «Israel» against Pre-Poll «Adventure»

By Staff, Agencies

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas warned the “Israeli” entity’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday against any military "adventure" in Gaza ahead of “Israeli” elections next month.

Netanyahu is currently battling for re-election for a fifth term, facing a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance as well as a planned indictment on corruption charges.

The “Israeli” entity and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

Many analysts, however, believe Netanyahu would want to avoid an escalation in Gaza with unpredictable results ahead of April 9 polls.

Asked about a potential “Israeli” military operation, Hamas leader Ismail Haniya told journalists: "If the (‘Israeli’) occupation or Netanyahu think of an adventure, I think they will pay the price that will send them away."

"We do not fear any adventures from Netanyahu towards Gaza... The resistance has its eyes open," added Haniya, whose movement has a military wing.

He added that Hamas did not care who won the “Israeli” elections.

A centrist alliance headed by former military chief Benny Gantz has overtaken right-winger Netanyahu, who is dogged by corruption allegations, in a series of polls.

But it is unclear if Gantz would be able to assemble enough parties to form a coalition.

Gantz's emergence and comments about separating from the Palestinians have been welcomed by the secular Palestinian leadership, headed by President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas said the elections made no difference.

"We do not care who will come to rule in the occupation (state)," Haniya said.

He also accused the “Israeli” entity of breaching an informal truce agreement struck in November, under which the entity would allow Qatari aid to enter Gaza in exchange for calm on the border.