Peretz: We won't operate in Gaza to satisfy public

In light of the strengthening of terror organizations in the Strip and the boosting of the military operations in Gaza, Peretz implied that there was no plan at this stage to take over the Philadelphi route, but that the broad operations will continue.

"There is no military operation which will not be carried out if we reach the conclusion that this is the way to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.

"Defending the State's citizens is the main goal, and the military activities will do anything in order to cause Israeli citizens in the Gaza vicinity communities to feel protected and know that they can go on with their routine life like any other citizens," he noted.

Peretz visits Gaza Division (Photo: Amir Cohen)

Peretz, who was accompanied to Kerem Shalom by Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Major-General Moshe Kaplinsky, took part in a discussion led by Southern Command Chief Yoav Galant and the Division's commander, Brigadier-General Moshe Tamir. He also spoke to reserve soldiers serving in the area.

"The operation taking place here is aimed at preventing terror organizations from becoming stronger, as well as the ability to harm Israel's sovereign area," he said toward the end of the visit.

"I want to make it clear that we do not plan to let Gaza becomes southern Lebanon. We will do all it takes in order for that not to happen, and therefore the initiated activity taking place here is a concrete but broad activity which is aimed at reducing the number of launching sites and damaging the strengthening process taking place through the tunnels.

"There is no plan to conquer the Gaza Strip and there is no plan to remain in the Strip. The activities are aimed at providing an answer to the immediate threats and the strengthening process taking place here," Peretz explained.

Halutz: Better to remain in Philadelphi route

The defense minister added that "the diplomatic process is in a difficult situation. The clashes taking place between the Palestinian factions are causing a state of stagnation, but nonetheless, I turn to the Palestinian people and say that we have no war against it, only against terror, and we are proving this every time.

"We are exerting every effort to increase the humanitarian aid, while the terror organizations are trying to harm the ability to transfer this aid into the Strip. I hope we will find the way, and I plan to exert every effort for the diplomatic process to be resumed opposite the moderate forces, headed by Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) and the moderate Arab states which want to create a new process that will prevent a crisis."

Peretz also said that "the military operations are the answer to the security threats. These are the parameters, and therefore tunnels and launching sites will justify any military operation."

The defense minister stressed that he does not plan to share "the decision making process regarding future military operations" with the media.

In terms of the Egyptian activity, Peretz demanded that Egypt works harder to prevent smuggling, but noted that the IDF maintains the right to operate anywhere.

Referring to the political changes due to Avigdor Lieberman joining the government, Peretz clarified that "the security issue is not a political issue."

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz referred to the operation in the Philadelphi route during a discussion at the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

"It is better to be in the route than not to be there, but no decision has been made on the matter," he said.

Knesset Member Silvan Shalom (Likud) told the army chief that a military operation in the Philadelphi route should be launched and that the IDF must determine its length.