The Israeli defense minister’s words to the incoming Hamas Prime Minister was sure to er, blow him away.

Shaul Mofaz of the Kadima party told Army Radio that Israel will assassinate Hamas leaders if the group resumes attacks against Israel, saying that the designated Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh is not immune from extermination, so too with anyone involved, if the militant group calls off its ceasefire.

With Israel elections looming in the background of eroding Kadima party support in the polls, the acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has to juggle showing a face of peace while stemming accusations of being too soft on Hamas, the latter of which is bent on Israel’s destruction.

"If Hamas ... presents us with the challenge of having to confront a terror organization, then no one there will be immune. Not just Ismail Haniyeh. No one will be immune," said Mofaz.

Hamas says this isn't a total surprise, particularly in the run-up to the Israeli elections that was sure to produce plenty of evidence of a tough Israeli stance as the government begins its election campaign, saying simply that he was familiar with “Israeli aggression” and that the Palestinians would not bow to it.

Euronews | IHT | Canada.com