Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has sworn in a new unity government, bringing together the factions of Fatah and Hamas after years of division. U.S. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said the Obama administration plans to recognize the new government.

Jen Psaki: “Well, at this point, it appears that President Abbas has formed an interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas. Moving forward, we will be judging this government by its actions. Based on what we know now, we intend to work with this government, but we’ll be watching closely to make ensure that it upholds the principles that President Abbas reiterated today.”

Israel said it was “deeply disappointed by the U.S. position,” would seek to block Hamas from participating in upcoming elections.