Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert appeared in public shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday to announce the end of the Cast Lead operation in Gaza. Israel has achieved the goals it set when the operation began three weeks ago, he said.

The army was successful in destroying much of Hamas's infrastructure and killing many terrorists, Olmert said. Thanks to the operation, the international community is willing to help Israel by fighting weapons smuggling from Egypt to Gaza, he added.

Olmert praised IDF soldiers and residents of the south for their strength and determination during the operation.

If Gaza terrorists continue to strike Israel, Israel will be ready to respond, Olmert warned.