Netanyahu: No ceasefire, no negotiations

PM tells Likud faction IDF will continue operations in Gaza Strip as long as terrorists keep launching rockets on south; promises 'severe response' if attacks continue

Attila Somfalvi|Published: 10.31.11 , 16:28

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke before the Likud faction on Monday, saying: "There is no ceasefire, no negotiations and the IDF continues its operations. Anytime someone disrupts the peace in the south – our response will be severe, just as it was on Saturday, and I'm telling you – even more severe."

The Likud party held a meeting just prior to the Knesset's reconvening for its winter session.

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"Today we begin the Knesset's winter session, the forth session. It's expected to be a long one. Throughout this session the government and the coalition will continue to work to promote society and the state," vowed Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

"We will deal with social, economical, political and security issues, but there is no doubt one of the most important issues will be implementing the conclusions agreed upon by the government in regards to the Trajtenberg report."

The prime minister stressed that in this upcoming Knesset session everyone will get a "wonderful" opportunity to fix the wrongs created within Israel's society and economy throughout the past decades.

"I believe these changes will withstand in Israeli economy and society for years to come. Therefore adopting the report or its main conclusion is vital to the coherence and strengthening of the society. I'm sure that all of the coalition members will act responsibility and in a united manner."

Netanyahu added that in order to "maintain the economic growth" and mend the wrongs of society the coalition members must stick together.

Burnt cars in Ashdod after rocket attack (Photo: Avi Rokach)

"It's true that it's unconventional (for a prime minster) to reach a third year (in office) without loosing any vote…. I told (Coalition Chairman) MK Zeev Elkin: 'You don't know how to lose, I want you to continue to not know,'" Netanyahu recalled.

"We need to be united at this time so we could be the most beneficial for Israel."

Speaking Sunday at a ceremony dedicating Bar-Ilan University's new medical faculty in Safed, Netanyahu stressed that while Israel does not seek to deteriorate the security situation, "we will defend ourselves according to these principles."

He stated that Israel's policy in the Gaza Strip included two main principles: "Kill or be killed" and "Hurt us – on your own head be it".