In light of the barrage of mortar shells directed this morning at the communities surrounding Gaza, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri (Shas), said, "We will respond and not just with artillery fire, but in the most painful places that can be. Wait and see, they will get the most painful answer possible."
Interviewed by Israeli public radio, Deri said, "There is nothing off limits compared to the security of our children. It is unthinkable othat the residents of the south will live in terror and their children will live in shelters. We have no interest in the deterioration of the situation, but it's impossible that we absorb [a hit] and say we are not doing anything to make he situation worse."