Troops on Gaza border
Photo: Reuters
Tank firing at Gaza
Photo: Reuters
Livni, diplomatic efforts
Photo: Reuters
Israel: Gaza op to continue in spite of UN
State official expresses satisfaction with results of Security Council meeting after US blocks Libyan proposal for ceasefire in Gaza, says Foreign Minister Livni's weekend efforts to foil anti-Israel resolution fruitful. Source tells Ynet even if such resolution passes, Gaza operation will continue
Jerusalem expressed satisfaction Sunday with the fact that the UN Security Council's emergency meeting on the fighting in Gaza ended with no results, after the United States blocked Libya's proposal for an immediate ceasefire.
Top diplomatic officials said that even if the Security Council does approve a resolution that conflicts with Israel's interests in its next meeting, "it's no big deal", and certainly will not interfere with the continuation of Israel's operation.
War in South
(Video) Foreign minister meets President Sarkozy, French counterpart in Paris, says Israel is rejecting 'humanitarian ceasefire' offered by his country because no humanitarian crisis exists in Gaza
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni worked hard over the weekend with Israeli envoys to the UN and Security Council member states to try and foil any anti-Israel resolutions. Sources in Jerusalem said Livni's efforts were fruitful and the emergency meeting ended in Israel's favor.
Another Security Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, with the participation of foreign ministers, and Israel is once again working towards blocking another resolution.
Government sources are also preparing for the possibility that in spite of Livni's efforts, an anti-Israel resolution is passed this week. A senior source in Jerusalem told Ynet that even if such a resolution is passed, it was no cause for alarm.
"There have already been precedents, for example Operation Defense Shield. A Security Council resolution will not necessarily stop Israel from proceeding with the ground operation in Gaza. It is in Israel's sovereignty to make such decisions, since it is operating in self defense," the source said.
Hamas Spokesman Fawzi Barhoum on the other hand called the Security Council's conduct "ridiculous", saying, "What happened tonight in the Security Council is a farce that demonstrates the United States and the Zionist occupiers' power in making decisions."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni continued to work together over the weekend and were briefed and advised on the military operation in the Gaza Strip, and the goals Israel has set for itself in coordination with IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi.
"The cooperation is bearing its fruits," a source said. "There is no truth to reports by political bodies of any disputes or the influence of the upcoming elections."
