WarSclerotic

MKs call for IDF operation in Gaza as rocket barrage against Israel continues – Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News.

Opposition members from Kadima call for launch of extensive operation in the Gaza Strip after over a hundred rockets fall in Israel over weekend.

Members of Knesset from Israel’s opposition party, Kadima, urged the cabinet on Sunday to launch a military campaign in the Gaza Strip, following the barrage of rockets that struck Israel over the weekend and the deadly terrorist attack that predeced on Thursday.

At a meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, committee chair MK Shaul Mofaz (Kadima) said that Israel must take steps against Hamas, “topple their infrastructures and create a system of ties with Egypt in order to prevent terrorism coming from its border.”

	Israeli soldiers take part in a military operation overnight in the West Bank city of Hebron on August 21, 2011.
	Photo by: AFP

MK Yohanan Plesner, also from Kadima, said the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee will support a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip. “Creating a fixed reality of attrition in the south will constitute a victory for Hamas and the terrorist organizations,” he said. “The state of Israel cannot put up with such a situation.”

Head of Kadima party Tzipi Livni made a similar call on Saturday, saying the party will support an extensive military campaign. “You must use force against terrorism,” she said. “Just as we have taken steps against terrorism in the past, we will also support steps now that will defend the citizens of Israel.”

MK Avi Dichter (Kadima) said in the meeting that “following recent events, the world should think hard before recognizing a Palestinian state.” Labor Party MK Amir Peretz said Israel should add another ten Iron Dome system, adding that “we must protect the lives of citizens.”

Nine rockets and a barrage of mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip at southern Israel over the course of Saturday night and Sunday morning. The Iron Dome system successfully shot down one rocket aimed at Be’er Sheva and another three targeting the city of Ashkelon.

This entry was posted on August 21, 2011 at 12:29 PM and is filed under Uncategorized. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.