Cabinet votes not to change scope of Gaza operation

The security cabinet voted on Wednesday against expanding the scope of the IDF's operations in Gaza against the ongoing bombardment of Sderot and the neighboring communities. Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that so long as there was no defense system against the Qassam rockets, the only solution could be deep-reaching offensive forays in Gaza.

"Alongside the offensive efforts – we must press on with developing defensive measures for the home front and prepare for the possibility of declaring an emergency situation. We must also consider placing sanctions on the Hamas government," said Barak. (Ronny Sofer)