Mofaz. 'We must deal with Hamas leaders'
Photo: Reuters
IDF strike in Gaza, Sunday
Photo: AP
Mofaz: Assassinate Hamas leaders now
Transportation minister suggests return of 'targeted killing' method used during his terms as IDF chief of staff, defense minister
Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz
said Sunday that Israel
must "stop talking and launch a personal targeted killing policy, against the Hamas
government" following the renewed rocket attacks on Gaza vicinity communities and the city of Ashkelon.
Following a weekend of rocket attacks, two Qassam exploded
near a kibbutz in the Eshkol Regional Council on Sunday morning. There were no injuries. In response, the Israel Air Force attacked a rocket lancing cell, killing four gunmen and injuring at least six.
"We must form a plan and bring it to the cabinet's approval immediately," he told Ynet.
Cabinet Meeting
Prime minister opens cabinet meeting shortly after rocket attack in south, IDF's deadly response in Gaza, says 'we are not eager to fight, but we do not fear a battle. We have operated and will continue to target those violating the truce'
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday, "We are not eager to fight, but we do not fear a battle. In any event, we shall not tolerate the price tag the terror organizations are attempting to set."
When Mofaz served as IDF chief of staff and defense minister, the Israeli army made a lot of use of the "targeted killing" method against senior terror activists during the second intifada, in the West Bank as well. On Sunday, he slammed the Israeli leadership and demanded change.
"There is not right way to deal with the issue of a Hamas government in Gaza. There is need for an urgent cabinet meeting to determine our policy against the Hamas government. The current reality is that Israeli deterrence is wearing out."
Mofaz explained, "It turns out that Israel's policy – cutting the supply of goods, electricity and water, is failing to yield the desired results. Moreover, it appears that we are the ones acting like the ones interested in a truce, not Hamas. This approach and policy is wrong.
"I don't support reoccupying Gaza at the current period of time, but we must operate and deal with the Hamas leaders. Are they allowed to violate (the truce) while we are not allowed to defend our citizens against kidnappings and injuries?
"And when we do operate, we get a wave of Grad missiles on Ashkelon and Qassam rockets and mortar shells in response."
According to the minister, "We must take a targeted killing policy against the Hamas leadership. It must be part of our overall policy, which should determine concrete actions against all the terror organizations.
"We must convene immediately, form a policy and bring it to the cabinet's approval as soon as possible," Mofaz said.
