Government ministers debated Sunday whether to approve funding for reinforcement of more homes against Kassam rocket attacks in the Gaza Belt.
At least 60 Kassam rockets and mortars exploded in southern Israel last week, following the IDF's attack on a kidnappers' tunnel dug by terrorists in central Gaza who were preparing to carry out a raid similar to the one in which IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was abducted in June 2006. Shalit still remains a captive in enemy hands.
The tunnel, which was located only 250 meters from the security barrier that separates Gaza from the western Negev, was a clear violation of the Egyptian-brokered temporary truce that was negotiated between Israel and the Hamas terrorists who control the region. Military sources have said it is not clear whether or how long the "truce" might hold.
Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai declared Sunday, during the weekly Cabinet meeting, that the government must allocate funds to fortify homes in Gaza Belt communities, "regardless of the truce."
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has demanded NIS 500 million ($132 million) in order to reinforce an additional 4,400 housing units in the Gaza Belt region.
Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On has criticized the demand, saying that instead of bringing results to the government, Barak "is only bringing expenses." He also suggested that Barak simply stop the terrorists from firing the Kassam rockets at Israel.
Barak's office responded Sunday with a brief, scornful statement pointing out that "Instead of keeping things on a professional level, Bar-On drags politics into the discussion. He and his party members would be better off protecting the Gaza and Sderot residents."
Ultimately, the Cabinet decided during its meeting to move the discussion of Barak's demand to the National Security Cabinet, which will meet on Wednesday.