The people of Israel in every place and house are calling for the government to protect the nation's citizens
In response to calls by cabinet members to silence the escalating terrorist violence emanating from Gaza, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak called on the government to "act with responsibility" at the Sunday morning Cabinet meeting.
“A responsible government does not happily go to battle, though we will not hide from the option," Olmert said, adding that plans of action are in place, but offering no specifics.
Ten Kassam rockets and three mortar shells were fired from Gaza Sunday morning, and one rocket scored a direct hit on an Israeli home.
“There are clear scenarios and clear plans. The government will take appropriate action and will take responsibility for the situation,” Olmert added.
Barak echoed the prime minister’s words. “I have ordered the army and the security establishment to prepare for what can be done. We want any operation undertaken to have a successful conclusion,” he said.
Both Olmert and Barak also spoke out against those who have called on the government to respond to Hamas terrorism. “I know we are in a sensitive time,” Olmert said referring to the upcoming elections. “I will not compete with those who are making impassioned statements.”
Barak added, “Some of these calls [on the government to act] are extraneous and hurt our ability to do what is necessary. I call on the prime minister to calm down some of these politicians.”
Numerous ministers have called on the government to act since the "ceasefire" with Gaza ended on Friday. Both before and since the end of the cease fire, dozens of Kassam rockets have landed on the communities surrounding Gaza, causing widespread damage and injuries.
Shas Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Eli Yishai responded harshly to Olmert and Barak’s calls for restraint. “Let Barak transfer his office to Sderot," he said. "If these attacks were happening in the center of the country the government would respond immediately.”
Earlier in the morning Transportation and Road Safety Minister Shaul Mofaz called for government action in an interview with IDF Army Radio. “The people of Israel in every place and house are calling for the government to protect the nation’s citizens,” he declared, adding, “He [Defense Minister Barak] must wake up and realize that the ceasefire was not good for Israel. He must do something, there is no other choice.”