US bill meant to twist Hamas's arm

The House of Representatives gave final passage on Dec. 7 to a bill aimed at forcing the Palestinians' ruling Hamas government to accept Israel and join negotiations toward a Palestinian state in formerly Israeli-occupied territory. "This bipartisan legislation gives incentives to the Palestinian Authority to take another step toward joining the community of peaceful nations and a step away from the abyss of supporting terrorism," Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), chief sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. It also gives the president broad authority to waive penalties if he deems it in the country's best interests. In passing the Senate bill, the House turned its back on a much harsher bill of its own. The Senate passed the bill earlier. The bill going to Bush would cut off aid to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority unless it acknowledges Israel's right to exist, accepts all the authority's agreements with Israel and proceeds toward dismantling the Palestinian terrorist infrastructure, among other things.