Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said at the opening of the Yisrael Beytenu Knesset faction meeting on Monday, "We have no intention of a military operation in Gaza."
Liberman added, "The situation in Gaza is indeed serious. There is a very serious economic situation that must be dealt with, but there is no humanitarian crisis, and this is in the opinion of the entire security establishment. The situation was created because of a confrontation between Hamas and Fatah and we will not take responsibility for the Strip." Referring to Israelis and the bodies of Israeli soldiers held by Hamas, he concluded, "Without progress on the return of the hostages, we will not make progress. Rehabilitation [of Gaza only] in return for demilitarization from arms and [ending of] terror."