Hamas leaders to be targeted?

A senior committee member said that "in Peretz's second appearance before the committee, he created a diplomatic and political basis for targeting Hamas leaders, while constantly repeating the need to utilize the process to the fullest before deciding on a military operation."

The source added that "as opposed to former Defense Minister Mofaz, who read from the paper and was worried about his political status, Peretz displays considerable political strength when the conveys a message that the response will be strong."

The defense minister said during the discussion: "We are using all the tools and are implementing all the moves before entering a massive operation," hinting that Israel was working to convey diplomatic messages to Hamas leaders.

"If that doesn’t help," Peretz said, "I am sure I will bring calm back to the area. I will not allow the fire to continue."

"There is no doubt that the organizations operating today understand our message, but if it does not bring calm, we will definitely step up operations and stop the fire," he added.

Hanegbi: We will hit them with full force

The defense minister refused to elaborate, saying "we won't hold a discussion in the media on the military operations we plan to take, but we won’t refrain from performing them when the time is right."

Knesset Member Tzachi Hanegbi, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said: "My conclusion from the discussion is that the minister is seeking to utilize several other more retrained options to the fullest before deciding on firm military steps. Israel is conveying diplomatic messages. If they don’t achieve the result, we will hit them with full force."

"I object to a ground entry into Gaza, and if Sderot residents do not regain calm we must transfer the threat's equation to the Hamas organization's leaders," he added.

During the meeting, right-wing MKs blasted Peretz for his powerlessness. MK Effie Eitam (National Union) voices the harshest remarks, saying that "Amir cannot prevent danger. There is a total collapse of the Israeli deterrence. He cannot even provide security for his wife and children."

"The State of Israel is perceived as weak, and there is full consensus in the committee that without a deterring operation we will not be able to overcome the threats on Sderot. He says we should behead Hamas leaders, hit infrastructures, harm government symbols and create an equation that if there is no life in Sderot there is no life for the Hamas government," he added.

MK Eitam also criticized Peretz's appearance before the committee, saying: "I have never seen in my life such a dismal and confused appearance by a defense minister. It is impossible to understand what he wants from the system and from himself."