Israeli officials say army to continue Gaza assault

[ 09/04/2011 - 04:30 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)-- Israeli Minister Gideon Saar has said the Israeli army will continue attacks on the Gaza Strip after Israeli occupation forces had already killed 17 Palestinians and injured scores in air raids that have rocked the Gaza Strip in the past 72 hours.

Saar asserted that Israel has the right to ”defend itself”, although resistance factions have so far shown self-restraint.

Saar, who is a member of the Israeli Political-Security Cabinet, alleged that the Israeli army had intercepted missiles fired at Beersheba and Ashkelon, a move downplayed by Israeli sources.

When asked if Israel would carry out a military operation in the Strip, he said: ”Taking such steps is complex and must be studied carefully.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that the aggression, which began last week, will continue over the coming days, while meeting with President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus.

Israeli minister Yisrael Katz said that if Israel engages in a military operation against the Gaza Strip, it will not end it until it achieves its primary goal, which is to topple the rule of Hamas there. Shaul Mofaz, former War Minister, has urged Israel to switch policies concerning ”terrorist operations” and to launch a ”fierce strike” on resistance leaders in the Strip. ”How can life take its natural course in the Gaza Strip as long as Palestinian missile attacks continue,” he said.

Former National Security advisor Maj. Gen. (res.) Giora Eiland has said he believes the military operation is ”long-term and complex”, and that is ”only a matter of time”, according to the Israeli radio.

He said the course of the operation will sweep the Strip and include a strike against its infrastructure, and it will be similar to what happened in the West Bank in 2002. He added that announcements that Israel wants to remove Hamas from rule is ”unrealistic”, saying that would require a full and long occupation of Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning that its embassies could be in danger over the continued escalation in the Strip.

”Israel is worried over the threats to its world embassies,” said deputy foreign minister Danny Ayalon.

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