And the scorpion remains the same | Op-ed By Yosef Livne

One of the most famous fables concerns the scorpion that approaches a frog and asks her to carry him across the pond. When the frog refuses claiming its fear of the scorpion's sting, its reply was why would I sting you, we would both die. Faced with such logic the frog agrees and the scorpion climbs on its back and of they go. Somewhere in the middle, the scorpion unleashes its venom. The dying frog just asks why, you would also die. It is hard to break a habit, answers the drowning scorpion.

Over the years the Hamas scorpion has been trying to woo the Palestinian Authority and the international community. Yet, until recently, the reaction was negative. As of a few weeks ago, the Palestinian Authority reached an agreement with Hamas and the two have formed a government. As in the fable, the crossing of the water has begun. So many around the world were quick to celebrate and call the new government as a positive step forward. I am afraid we in Israel can't share in the happiness. Hamas has not changed. Its commitment to the destruction of Israel is as valid today as it was in the past. So as not to leave any doubt, its spokespeople have clarified this point again and again. Over the last few days it has welcomed the kidnapping of 3 youths and ordered its people to impose obstacles in the efforts of the Israeli Army to search for the kidnapped. Furthermore, its militants have celebrated the abduction distributing sweets to passer-byes in the streets of Gaza. If that was not enough, some rockets were launched from the Hamas controlled Gaza into Israel. But now, their true face is there for all to see. They are behind the kidnapping.

So, I ask, is the scorpion changed? Not really, he who beds down with a predator should not be surprised if in the morning, some limbs will be missing. He who allies himself with a terrorist can't claim immunity if his partner chooses to remain faithful to its colours. By establishing a joint Fatah-Hamas government, the Palestinian Authority has opened the door for Hamas to the West Bank. It basically gave the scorpion a ride on its back. By doing so, the Palestinian Authority can't wash its hands of the recent kidnapping.

Just like in the fable- the scorpion has stung again.

Ends.

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