Cabinet no to Gaza operation

Security cabinet decides against launching large-scale offensive in Gaza Strip for now; Barak does not rule out such an operation in future; IDF uncovers 11 Qassam launchers; fortifications to be increased in Sderot

Shmulik Hadad|Published: 09.05.07 , 21:04

After the security cabinet decided on Wednesday not to expand the scope of IDF operations in the Gaza Strip for now, the Defense Ministry ordered an increase in fortifications for the Qassam rocket-stricken town of Sderot.

And on Wednesday evening, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said he did not rule out that at some point in the future, Israel might have to launch a large-scale operation. Speaking at a New Year toast at the Defense Ministry, Barak stressed however that there were no plans for such an offensive at the moment.

Fifteen large, hollowed-out concrete blocks, called a "migonit" will be dispersed Thursday in Sderot's open spaces to provide cover against the Qassams for people caught out on the street during an attack.

'Migonit' (Photo: Amir Cohen)

These shelters were first introduced to Sderot in May, but removed in July following a reduction then in Qassam shelling.

In a second stage of the fortification plan, bus shelters will also be protected against Qassam rockets, so as to provide cover for school children waiting for transport on their way to or from school.

Over the course of Wednesday, IDF forces uncovered 11 Qassam launchers during a series of operations in the Gaza Strip.

During the security cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered the army to present him with a comprehensive plan to combat the Qassam attacks on the Negev.

The ministers, however, did not put to a vote the proposal made to cut off Gaza's electricity or water as a punitive measure against the firing of Qassams, but the government instructed the defense establishment, Foreign Ministry, and legal bodies to begin preparing a plan for sanctions against Gaza.

In an official statement issued after meeting, the government said Israel "holds Hamas responsible for the Qassam attacks and terrorism carried out from Gaza.

"This murderous terror organization pretends to be managing the day-to-day life of Gaza's citizens while the lives of the residents of the Gaza vicinity communities are disrupted unbearably.

"Factoring in all this, we have tasked the security establishment, Foreign Affairs Ministry and relevant legal parties with outlining a plan, which will take into account all military and civilian considerations, to limit the services provided by Israel to Gaza in response to the criminal and indiscriminant attacks against the Israeli civilian population."

Defense Minister Barak told the meeting that as 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 imposing sanctions on the Hamas government," said Barak.