Olmert: Palestinians will pay for Qassams
Prime minister says Israel will not put up with rocket attacks from Gaza, adds IDF has been instructed to destroy all Qassam launchers in area. Referring to Sderot he says, 'I know how hard and painful this must be. I can sympathize with the parents' anxiety'
Following Monday’s Qassam rocket attacks on Sderot, Olmert said, “We will not put up with this attack. The IDF has been instructed to destroy all launchers and target anyone involved in the attacks.
"Rocket barrages have once again been launched on Sderot. They threatened the wellbeing of kindergarten children in this rocket-battered town, which has been exposed to the terror groups' brutality for over five years."
Speaking after meeting Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer, the premier stated, "We will not budge on this matter. We will hit all those in the chain of command who harbor terrorists and act against the State of Israel."
Olmert also referred to the sensitive issue of the fortification of Sderot's schools, and said, "We will continue to fortify our schools and educational institutions in Sderot and the Gaza area communities. We want to do whatever it takes to give a sense of security to the residents, who live in unbearable conditions.
"I know how hard and painful this must be. I can sympathize with the parents' restlessness and anxiety," he said.
The prime minister stressed that huge sums of money have been invested in fortifying the town's schools and nurseries.
As for progress in peace talks with the Palestinians, Olmert said: "I have been holding serious talks with Abu Mazen (PA President Mahmoud Abbas). I hope that the progress in talks will allow us to start acting together soon in order to formulate the issues we are dealing with ahead of the possibility of a common declaration."
"I have no doubt that if we reach understandings with the Palestinians I will receive massive support from my party and from the public," Olmert said.
Olmert added that Israel was interested in direct and unconditional peace talks with Syria.
