All This Violence is...Political?

'Hamas wants to influence Israeli elections'

Palestinian sources in the Gaza Strip said the past week's escalation and Qassam attacks on Israel are no coincidence, and that Hamas is trying to heat things up on the southern front ahead of general elections in Israel, in hopes of leading to the election of a right-wing party.

Hamas sources denied the claims and said the shooting was a response to Israel's violation of the ceasefire.

Palestinian sources told Ynet that Hamas was looking for a way to end the diplomatic process. "Hamas wants Netanyahu," one source said.

"They know his election will put an end to the diplomatic process. With right-wing leadership, the chance of military clashes grows, and Hamas functions best in such a situation, and support for the group grows, while support for those who seek negotiations weakens."