Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Olmert hints at possible Gaza offensive
Prime minister says Israel not interested in escalation in Gaza but will launch ground offensive against gunmen if rocket attacks persist
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hinted Sunday that Israel would launch military operations against gunmen in the Gaza Strip if rocket attacks persisted.
"Israel has no interest in an escalation in Gaza, but we will not be able to ignore the continuation of Qassam fire and infiltration attempts by terror groups," Olmert told the cabinet.
Weekend Incident
Hanan Greenberg
Givati Brigade soldiers shoot dead three Hamas gunmen attempting to plant explosive device along Gaza security fence, north of the Kissufim crossing; Palestinian President Abbas, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal meet Egyptian intelligence chief in Cairo to discuss Qassam rocket attacks on Negev
IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Gabi Ashkenazi and Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin will brief ministers at Sunday's cabinet meeting on the security situation in the Gaza Strip.
Ministers will also discuss plans to increase transit activities at the Kerem Hashalom border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and to expand air traffic with Egypt and Jordan.
Palestinian gunmen fire makeshift Qassam rockets at Israeli towns and kibbutzim almost daily.
Three Hamas gunmen were killed by the army on Saturday in the Gaza Strip as they attempted to place explosive devices along the border with Israel.
