JERUSALEM - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would not negotiate with the Palestinians should the Islamic Hamas movement joins the Palestinian government.

"If Hamas joins the Palestinian government, we will not hold negotiations with the Palestinian (National) Authority," Netanyahu said when addressing the annual conference for Israeli ambassadors abroad.

Progress in the diplomatic process is dependent on Israel's preserving and guarding its security needs, which are much more difficult given the changes in the region, Netanyahu said.

However, he added that he is ready to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas anywhere, anytime, in order to renew negotiations.

Last Wednesday, Abbas met with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Cairo and set the ground for Hamas to join the Palestine Liberation Organization.