'State can't afford truce.' Friedmann
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Justice minister: Gaza truce strategic mistake
'If we open crossings before Shalit is returned, this will prove that the entire system has gone mad,' Friedmann says
Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann referred Sunday to the ceasefire agreement with the armed Palestinian organizations in Gaza as a "strategic mistake"
Kidnapped Soldier
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"The country cannot afford the price (of the ceasefire)," said Friedmann. "If we open the crossings before (kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit is returned, this will prove that the entire system has gone mad."
Last week Vice Premier Haim said "I oppose the lull, because it's another victory for radical Islam, which won in Lebanon and now it will be winning in Gaza. So why be moderate? After all, why is Hamas seeking an agreement? Because this will be its chance to represent Gaza as Hamastan state.”
Ramon himself abstained in the cabinet vote Wednesday where ministers decided to advance the truce before embarking on a military operation in Gaza. Ministers Shaul Mofaz, Eli Yishai, and Friedmann also abstained in that vote, while no minister voted against the ceasefire.
Later in the day the High Court is expected to discuss the petition filed by kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit's family demanding the border crossings between Israel and Gaza not be opened prior to their son's release or a guarantee his release is imminent.
