Arab MK: Gaza operation endangers kidnapped soldier
Tibi slams IDF offensive in Strip; right-wing MK: I hope era of effective military operations has started
MK Ahmad Tibi of the United Arab List-Ta'al party condemned Israel's operation in the Gaza Strip to free Gilad Shalit, the Israel Defense Forces soldier abducted on Sunday.
"The operation endangers the life of captive soldier," he said.
Hadash files no-confidence motion against gov't over Gaza operation
The Hadash faction submitted a no-confidence motion in the Knesset against the government over its decision to launch the military operation in the Gaza Strip to free Shalit.
"It seems the release of the soldier isn't a priority for Israel, and what is being presented as concern for his life can turn into a Peace for the Galilee operation, which can complicate the situation as happened in Lebanon," party leader MK Mohammad Barakeh said.
National Union-NRP MK Effie Eitam, on the other hand, said the opposition will back Prime Minister Ehud Olmert should he decide to extend the military operation in Gaza.
"I hope the period of hesitation and threats has come to an end and the era of effective military operations has started, which will restore Israel's deterrence capability," he said.
Likud MK Yuval Steinitz also praised the government's decision to launch operation “Summer Rains,” saying “the decision to exert military pressure on the Palestinians to solve the crisis and return the captive home is right and worthy."
Vice Premier Shimon Peres criticized the Palestinian leadership for "allowing an extremist like Khaled Mashaal to decide its fate."
Ronny Sofer contributed to the report
