GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) – The Islamic militant group Hamas yesterday said it will put together the next Palestinian government by early March, timing that could help Israeli hawks win back lost support as they head into parliamentary elections.

Hamas officials said the group would stack top government positions with its own people, threatening to trigger an Israeli boycott of the Palestinian Authority. In a preliminary move, Hamas nominated three members for senior legislative posts, including the powerful position of parliament speaker.

Hamas, which calls for the elimination of Israel, trounced Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah Party in legislative elections last month. With a solid majority of seats in the incoming parliament, Hamas is poised to form a new Cabinet in the coming weeks, severely impeding Abbas’ ability to pursue peace talks with Israel. The new Hamas-led parliament is to hold its first session Saturday.

Israeli leaders have taken a tough stance towards Hamas, ruling out any talks with the group until it renounces violence, recognises Israel and accepts existing agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the front-runner in the election, said this week that “all contacts” with the Palestinians will be reviewed once Hamas takes office. He also has threatened to cut off monthly transfers of about $50 million (euro42 million) in tax money to the cash-starved Palestinian government.

An Israeli newspaper quoted Israel’s defence minister, Shaul Mofaz, as saying Israel wouldn’t deal with the Palestinians at all if Hamas taps its own people to serve as prime minister and parliament speaker.