No immunity for Hamas leaders if remain violent: Israel

A Fatah militant shoots in the air in front of the Palestinian Legislative Council building on Saturday in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Some 600 Fatah activists and dozens of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades gunmen marched through the city towards the PLC to protest against their party following polls defeat to Hamas. PHOTO: AFP

"Those at the top of a terrorist organisation and those who continue to carry out attacks against the State of Israel will not have immunity," Mofaz told army radio following Hamas's huge victory in the Palestinian election.

The Israeli government has rejected any question of negotiations with a Palestinian administration that includes elements of Hamas unless the faction disarms its armed wing and recognises the Jewish state's right to exist.

Hamas's Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades has been responsible for dozens of suicide attacks in Israel. The Israeli military has likewise carried out a campaign of targeted assassinations against Hamas militants and leaders.