We'll fight Hamas without mercy, says Olmert

Prime minister lauds IDF for operations against terror in Gaza, says Israel will continue fighting Qassam cells 'with courage, precision'
Ynet

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert lauded the IDF Thursday for its operations against Qassam cells in Gaza, and vowed to continue fighting terror. "We shall continue fighting Jihad, Hamas and their allies with determination and without mercy," he stated.

 

Speaking at the annual conference of Israel's Manufacturers Association, the prime minister described a recent IDF strike that killed 16 gunmen as "an accurate, limited operation designed to target those who have been trying to hurt the residents of southern Israel for many days.

 

"They suffered a hard blow, and this was not the last blow they are going to suffer in light of the intolerable rocket attacks on Israel's south."

 

Olmert stressed that Israel was not interested in hurting the residents of the Gaza Strip, but that it could no longer put up with the incessant Qassam fire. "We will therefore continue to operate wisely, courageously and with maximum precision against those who wish to harm us," he said.

 

Unlike the terrorists, the IDF distinguishes between terror operatives and uninvolved civilians, said the prime minister. "The crazy barrages today and yesterday (Wednesday) did not claim civilian lives, but anyone familiar with the reality in Israel's south knows what heavy psychological distress these residents are faced with… there is a war going on in the south, day-in and day-out."