Israeli Minister Says 'time Limited' For Hamas Gaza Leader

Jerusalem, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Nov, 2018 ) :A senior Israeli minister warned Wednesday that "time is limited" for Hamas's leader in the Gaza Strip, days after a controversial truce ended a severe flare-up and triggered a coalition crisis.

"Yahya Sinwar's time is limited," said Housing Minister Yoav Gallant, a former general who once oversaw operations in the Gaza Strip.

"He won't finish his life in a retirement home." Speaking at a conference organised by the Jerusalem Post newspaper, Gallant said Hamas's leaders must "recalculate their route" and decide whether to fight Israel or retain the relative quiet of recent days.

A ceasefire with Hamas last week ended the worst escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza since a 2014 war.

But the deal led hawkish Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman to resign in disagreement, sparking a coalition crisis that nearly forced early elections.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu managed to avoid early polls when other key coalition members agreed to remain in the government.

Even if the coalition continues to hold, elections are due by November 2019 and politicians have been engaging in campaign-style rhetoric in a country where security issues are always at the forefront.