Outgoing Pensioners Affairs Minister and security cabinet member Rafi Eitan indicated on Tuesday that eventually, Israel may have to embark on a large-scale military operation against Hamas. Interviewed by Army Radio about the Tuesday afternoon cabinet meeting dedicated to the release of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit, the former head of the Mossad intelligence agency hinted that he didn't expect there to be a cabinet vote on Hamas's terms for Shalit's freedom.

He added, "Ultimately, there is no room for a radical movement like Hamas. Sooner or later, any government will have to consider dealing with the matter much more aggressively."