ISRAELI ministers lashed out at the United States today over its “disappointing” decision to work with the new Palestinian unity government.

US and European Union officials had said on Monday that they were prepared to work with the new administration despite Israeli objections, saying they would judge the government “by its actions.”

Communications Minister Gilad Erdan said yesterday: “Unfortunately, American naiveté has broken all records. 

“Any collaboration with Hamas, which kills women and children, is unacceptable.

“This American capitulation can only damage chances of resuming peace negotiations.”

And Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz did “not understand this American announcement” and accused Washington of saying one thing behind closed doors and another in public.

“If these ministers identify with Hamas and Hamas identifies with them and appoints them, they are representatives of Hamas — a terror organisation,” he said.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had assured his cabinet on Sunday that US Secretary of State John Kerry had promised Washington would not immediately recognise the new government.

But the Palestinian government was sworn in on Monday in front of President Mahmoud Abbas and Washington publicly offered its backing just hours later.

“At this point, it appears President Abbas has formed an interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas,” said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

“With what we know now, we will work with this government.”

Ms Psaki said the US was prepared to continue sending foreign assistance to the Palestinian Authority.