'Hamas is ruler'
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Ashkenazi: Hamas doesn't want flare up
IDF chief of staff tells Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Hamas targets struck in response to rocket attacks 'because we consider it to be the ruler'. Ashkenazi adds 'Hezbollah building up forces north of Litani'
IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said at the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting on Tuesday that Hamas is not interested in a flare up in the Gaza Strip and does not wish for the situation to get out of hand.
Commenting on Qassam rocket attacks that have increased in recent weeks, he added, "If Hamas wanted to, it could get a better hold on the attacks coming from there."
Ashkenazi at committee meeting (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
Monday night, Israeli jets struck an arms shed in the Gaza Strip in response to the two rockets that were fired on southern Israel. "The IDF responded against Hamas targets because we consider it to be the ruling body," the chief of staff said.
Regarding Iran, Ashkenazi said that despite opposition in the Islamic Republic, the regime is strong and pushing forward with its nuclear program. "The Iranians continue with their nuclear program. I hope that the three channels of sanctions will prove effective.
"If anyone hoped that the opposition activity would weaken the Iranian regime – the regime is strong and effective and this is not what will stop the nuclear program."
The chief of staff also addressed the situation in the North: "Hezbollah is building up its forces north of the Litani (river). It continues to arm. The border is calm, but this can change."
