_a.jpg "Photo: Eli Elgarat")
Peretz slams ministers over Qassam remarks
Defense minister says ‘Government ministers' criticism creates false impression that we are not doing all that is required to quell Qassam fire’; adds: Main problem - strengthening of Hamas
"I ordered large-scale operations in Gaza … There is no plan that was presented to me to reduce Qassam fire that was not approved," he said in response to ministers who argued that Israel is not doing enough against Palestinian gunmen.
The defense minister, a resident of Sderot, added: “Any military operation that offers a solution for the Qassam fire and the strengthening of Hamas will be approved. We must give the citizens of Israel the feeling that we are doing our job. We will not accept the Qassam fire, but our operations will not result in us sinking in Gaza again.
'Mistaken impression is created'
“Just this morning I awoke to the sound of the ‘Color Red’ alert system and a Qassam attack on Sderot. Rockets were fired at Israel when we occupied Gaza. The operation we conducted in Beit Hanoun is a sign of things to come; we have plans for additional operations to decrease the launchings,” he said.
“However, we must keep in mind that the main problem in Gaza is the strengthening of Hamas – and we plan to act in order to prevent this from happening.”
"The IDF is operating under the full support of the Chief of Staff, generals, and all the forces on the ground," said Peretz.
Speaking about the possible evacuation of children from Sderot he said: "A decision like this requires an evaluation, and I don't believe that the State of Israel needs to accept the reality of abandoning a civilian population. We will operate a center in Sderot that will assist the city and the local councils nearby. We planned a program yesterday (Saturday) for the protection and invigoration of citizens."
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni challenged her colleagues to come up with plans for a solution to Qassam attacks from the Gaza Strip, saying that the government will not shy away from approving reasonable plans for a solution to the problem.
"It is forbidden that a mistaken impression is created, as if there are plans like these and the government is not approving them," she said.
