Bibi: Restore Israel's deterrence
Opposition chairman, MK Benjamin Netanyahu fully supports IDF operation in Gaza, warns that another withdrawal will lead to Qassams in Tel Aviv. meanwhile, MK Barakeh claims Gaza operation 'developing into massacre'
"At the same time, we must restore Israel's deterrence, but above all we must learn the lessons for the future," said Netanyahu.
In a conference of chairpersons and CEOs of the Kibbutz Industries Association, Netanyahu said that Israel should not unilaterally withdraw from Judea and Samaria.
"Unfortunately it is already clear that a withdrawal reinforces the Hamas and brings the Qassams closer. Next time it is Qassams not only on the Negev communities but also on Tel Aviv. The situation is unbearable in the western Negev and will be unbearable here. Therefore our policy should be against reinforcing the Hamas, and this in turn will help bring to the group's replacement," Bibi said.
Arab party: Negotiate for Gilad's return
The Arab parties in the Knesset, on the other hand, are calling to put an end to the IDF operation. Chairman of Hadash party, MK Mohammad Barakeh responded to the IDF operation in Gaza and said that the government "insists on feeding us the sword for eternity".
"The IDF operation in the Strip develops into a massacre, while firing into crowds. This concept has failed in Lebanon and the death toll was heavy. We demand to stop the ongoing operation and get back to negotiations, to real dialogue with the Palestinian president. This is the only way to end the bloodshed", added MK Barakeh.
According to Barakeh "It was clear from the beginning that the government aspires for escalation… in order to evade the required negotiations.
"Prime Minister Ehud Olmert didn't succeed in convincing the world to believe his plan and avoided meeting with Mahmoud Abbas instead of initiating negotiations with him as the leader of the Palestinian people. The reason is that Olmert and his government have nothing to offer in such negotiations except a unilateral step," said Barakeh
MK Dov Khenin, Barakeh's party member presented an urgent proposal for the Knesset's daily meeting agenda, calling to negotiate the release of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit.
"There is sign of a possible releasing Shalit in exchange for releasing a group of Palestinian prisoners. The government has a moral obligation to exhaust this possibility and ensure Gilad's safe return," said MK Khenin.
Raanan Ben-Zur, Ilan Marciano, and Roee Nahmias contributed to the report.
