Sunday, January 06, 2008

Olmert says Israel will exacerbate response to rockets

Roni Sofer


"The launching of a rocket at Ashkelon Thursday represents an escalation in the terror activity emanating from the Gaza Strip," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in a cabinet meeting Sunday.

"Israel will continue to respond and target those responsible for terror across Gaza. The defense minister has already ordered to increase the IDF's operations in the area, and we have already seen results," Olmert stated.
Sources in the Prime Minister's Office said Sunday that in firing the Russian-made Grad rocket at Ashkelon, the Palestinians "have crossed the line." The security forces plan to respond accordingly, and intensify operations against rocket launching cells.

"As has already been proven in the last weeks, Israel will retaliate with severity to terrorist rocket attacks at innocent civilians," officials said.


At the opening of Sunday's meeting, the prime minister referred to US President George W. Bush's anticipated visit to the region this week, saying: "We will welcome him with open arms. This is a president who has shown great friendship towards Israel throughout his term and who has been a strategic ally in issues related to Israel's economy and foreign relations."

The cabinet is also scheduled to be briefed on the situation in Gaza by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and approve the prime minister's suggestion to allocate $6 million towards a relief program for the Negev residents.

Comment: This is not the military action needed to stop the attacks. It is the strategy to use to "look good" and act as though you are taking action against your sworn enemies. This also allows you to spew "tough" rhetoric and placate some of your population. Western leaders can "live with this behavior" because it truly does not impact the "peace process". Unless it is your son or daughter being placed in harm's way or you have relatives or friends in southern Israel you are not engaged in these activities. Your comfortable life in the clubs of Tel Aviv,in coffee houses across the remainder of central Israel or daily events up north, or in your homes thousands of miles away,the truth is you are not motivated to stop this madness. We are in a suspended time warp, waiting for Mr. Bush's visit to complete itself, to analyze the proposals that come forward from this meeting-Israel is allowing the international voices of appeasement to dictate its defense. If this continues, Israel's future is written!

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