The prime minister rejected mounting criticism from the European Union and the United Nations, stating Israel has a right and an obligation to defend her citizens against unprovoked attacks.
Speaking in English, the prime minister made his position very clear regarding Operation Summer Rains, stating, “I will stop when I will feel that I can provide security for the people of Israel.”
Referring to the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) administration, Olmert added, “This is the first time in modern history that there is a whole government that is a terrorist government.”
The prime minister made it very clear – Israel will not negotiate with the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) administration. Olmert’s position enjoys the support of his cabinet, rejecting critics who are demanding he enter into talks towards obtaining the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit. Olmert explained to his ministers at the Sunday morning weekly cabinet meeting that entering into talks with Hamas will only serve to encourage additional kidnappings in the future. He announced that the ongoing military operation will stop after Shalit is released, without precondition, and after the Kassam rocket fire into southern Israel is halted, rejecting any attempt to justify the unprovoked attacks against Israeli population centers.
Regarding strong anti-Israel statements released by the European Union (EU), the prime minister questioned how one can measure fear and trepidation, anxiety and panic, referring to Sderot and area residents who live with the constant fear of rocket attacks.
“When was the last time that the European community condemned this shooting, the rockets, and suggested effective measures to stop it?” he questioned, also rejecting United Nations accusations that Israel is trampling the human rights of Palestinian Authority (PA) residents.
Senior IDF officials stated earlier in the week that Gazan-based terrorists are intentionally operating from within civilian areas, well-aware Israeli retaliatory actions will result in civilian casualties.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz earlier in the week stated Israel’s military operation is a moral one; one that followed Israel’s exhausting all other possibilities to bring an end to rocket attacks. Peretz too rejected accusations of human rights violations, declaring the IDF operates on a standard of morality that is unique, one that is higher than other armies of the world.
Olmert continues to release statements that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists, calling on Hamas leaders in Syria to order the immediate and unconditional release of the captive soldier, and the halt of rocket attacks or face the consequences.
In northern Gaza, the IDF operation continues, with daily air force strikes against terror cells and infrastructure, as efforts continue to create a buffer zone in the area, seeking to place southern Israeli communities out of range of the Kassam rockets.
Further complicating the operation are new improved rockets, with a range of over 10 kilometers (6 miles), with terrorists already succeeding in striking targets as far north as Ashkelon.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt-General Dan Halutz and other members of the General Staff have already announced the operation is open-ended, and it will continue until the objectives are achieved.
Efforts to elicit UN Security Council condemnations against Israel have been foiled, as the US has indicated any such resolution would be vetoed. The UN Human Rights Organization however was less sympathetic, condemning Israel’s ongoing counter-terror operation.
In the meantime, there is no new information regarding Shalit, who has been in terrorist captivity since June 25. He was taken hostage during the Kerem Shalom terror attack which claimed the lives of an officer and a soldier. Reports state that Shalit, who was wounded during the terror attack, has received medical treatment. Hamas and other terror organizations involved announced there would be no further statements on the soldier’s condition until such time Israel agrees to enter into negotiations towards a prisoner release deal.
Speaking in English, the prime minister made his position very clear regarding Operation Summer Rains, stating, “I will stop when I will feel that I can provide security for the people of Israel.”
Referring to the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) administration, Olmert added, “This is the first time in modern history that there is a whole government that is a terrorist government.”
The prime minister made it very clear – Israel will not negotiate with the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) administration. Olmert’s position enjoys the support of his cabinet, rejecting critics who are demanding he enter into talks towards obtaining the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit. Olmert explained to his ministers at the Sunday morning weekly cabinet meeting that entering into talks with Hamas will only serve to encourage additional kidnappings in the future. He announced that the ongoing military operation will stop after Shalit is released, without precondition, and after the Kassam rocket fire into southern Israel is halted, rejecting any attempt to justify the unprovoked attacks against Israeli population centers.
Regarding strong anti-Israel statements released by the European Union (EU), the prime minister questioned how one can measure fear and trepidation, anxiety and panic, referring to Sderot and area residents who live with the constant fear of rocket attacks.
“When was the last time that the European community condemned this shooting, the rockets, and suggested effective measures to stop it?” he questioned, also rejecting United Nations accusations that Israel is trampling the human rights of Palestinian Authority (PA) residents.
Senior IDF officials stated earlier in the week that Gazan-based terrorists are intentionally operating from within civilian areas, well-aware Israeli retaliatory actions will result in civilian casualties.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz earlier in the week stated Israel’s military operation is a moral one; one that followed Israel’s exhausting all other possibilities to bring an end to rocket attacks. Peretz too rejected accusations of human rights violations, declaring the IDF operates on a standard of morality that is unique, one that is higher than other armies of the world.
Olmert continues to release statements that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists, calling on Hamas leaders in Syria to order the immediate and unconditional release of the captive soldier, and the halt of rocket attacks or face the consequences.
In northern Gaza, the IDF operation continues, with daily air force strikes against terror cells and infrastructure, as efforts continue to create a buffer zone in the area, seeking to place southern Israeli communities out of range of the Kassam rockets.
Further complicating the operation are new improved rockets, with a range of over 10 kilometers (6 miles), with terrorists already succeeding in striking targets as far north as Ashkelon.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt-General Dan Halutz and other members of the General Staff have already announced the operation is open-ended, and it will continue until the objectives are achieved.
Efforts to elicit UN Security Council condemnations against Israel have been foiled, as the US has indicated any such resolution would be vetoed. The UN Human Rights Organization however was less sympathetic, condemning Israel’s ongoing counter-terror operation.
In the meantime, there is no new information regarding Shalit, who has been in terrorist captivity since June 25. He was taken hostage during the Kerem Shalom terror attack which claimed the lives of an officer and a soldier. Reports state that Shalit, who was wounded during the terror attack, has received medical treatment. Hamas and other terror organizations involved announced there would be no further statements on the soldier’s condition until such time Israel agrees to enter into negotiations towards a prisoner release deal.