Defense Minister Peretz
Photo: Niv Calderon
Chief of Staff Ashkenazi
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Peretz says Israel needs diplomatic courage
In spite of rocket barrages in Sderot and western Negev, defense minister does not rush to threaten Palestinians with military operation: 'Before issuing an order to launch an operation or a war, we should say we did everything to prevent it'
Israel
will choose the right time to act against the terror organizations trying to disrupt our lives, Defense Minister Amir Peretz
said Monday afternoon in response to the rocket barrages fired at Sderot and the western Negev over the past few days.
"This morning we woke up to the sound of a Qassam barrage fired at the area where I live. I am familiar with every house and every family. We are doing everything in order to maintain the truce and prevent escalation, but I am saying this clearly: The terror organizations must not delude themselves," Peretz
Rocket Attack
Shmulik Hadad
Rocket hits neighborhood in southern town, causes damage to private house located near kindergarten; several people suffer from shock, one woman loses consciousness. Military sources say IDF policy in Gaza may change
warned.
"Our duty to defend Israel's citizens is not subject to any consideration," he added.
Peretz spoke during a ceremony honoring companies which employ reserve soldiers and make sure they are not discriminated against because of long spells away from work.
Qassam launched by Islamic Jihad (Photo: AP)
Ten companies received a badge of honor from Peretz and IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi after being selected by a special committee out of list of 50 companies.
The defense minister also noted that in spite of the need for a strong army, diplomacy must not be abandoned.
"Alongside military courage we need diplomatic courage, because courage is required in the diplomatic system as well. And from this point of confusion and feeling of a crisis, it is time for a broad diplomatic initiative and an effort to establish relations with the entire Arab world.
"Before anyone in the State of Israel issues an order to launch an operation or a war, we must look forward and say that we did everything to prevent it, that we exerted every effort in order to find another way, a diplomatic way," he said.
