Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Sunday that Jerusalem was willing to accept a mutual ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza after several days of projectile fire and IDF strikes that began after Hamas' armed wing fired an anti-tank missile at an Israeli school bus on Thursday.
"If they stop firing on our communities, we will stop firing. If they stop firing in general, it will be quiet, it will be good," Barak told Israel Radio.
Barak added that there is no "quick fix" for the problem of rocket and mortar fire from the Strip. Speaking about a possible IDF operation in Gaza, he said, "If necessary, we will act, but," he said, "restraint is also a form of strength."The defense minister told Israel Radio that the success of the Iron Dome system brings an end to the debate over multi-layered rocket interception systems and that the only remaining issue is that of its cost.
Also on Sunday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon expressed hope that Israel is not drawn into another war in the Gaza Strip but warned Hamas against testing Jerusalem's willingness to defend itself, in an interview on Army Radio.
Ya'alon, a former IDF chief of general-staff, said that military action is always the last option.
"I don't recommend that Hamas test us in the coming days," he warned. "They have taken some hard hits and they will sustain even harsher ones" if they continue firing rockets and mortars at Israel, he said.
"We have a lot of options," he added, "and the IDF is prepared for them."
The deputy prime minister, who also serves as minister of strategic affairs, addressed internal arguments and power struggles taking place between Hamas' military and political echelons, saying that it "doesn't interest us." If Hamas is in charge of the Gaza Strip, he said, "they they are responsible" for what happens there.
He added that since the days of former PLO chairman Yassir Arafat, Jerusalem's policy has been that in any territory it doesn't control, it demands responsibility from whoever is in power.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu took a slightly harder line on Saturday, saying that Israel will not allow Hamas to set the rules of the game, during late night consultations regarding the escalating violence in the South.
Netanyahu said that raising the level of violence such that a tank missile is fired on a school bus, and thinking that this is just part of the ongoing status quo, was not acceptable and would not be tolerated.
“Even if we are not interested in an escalation,” he was quoted as saying, “the response will be determined, harsh and ongoing.”
In addition to holding security consultations, Netanyahu’s bureau held discussions with various international officials examining ways to dampen down the violence.
Netanyahu arrived in the country before Shabbat from a two-day trip to Germany and the Czech Republic. Earlier on Friday, following his meeting with Czech President Vaclav Klaus in Prague, the prime minister said: “The attack on a school bus crossed the line. Whoever tries to hurt and murder children will be held accountable.”
He is expected to address the issue further at Sunday’s weekly cabinet meeting.
Reuters contributed to this report Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive news updates directly to your email
12. the trouble with israel isAuthor: m. d'agostinoCountry: italy04/10/2011 13:45that they want to be free to kill palestinians whenever they want and no one must raise their brows. no one must question israel's criminal acts. what kind of law is that?
Author: StephenCountry: Switzerland04/10/2011 10:43
I would not call DM Barak a wimp.Rather he is careful, for any words could be misconstrued by the world press. Those that underestimate his resolve, may well be in for a surprise. One thing is to placate Israels Western Allies, by doing so, Hamas and the Extremists on all sides construe these words as a sign of weakness.How far from reality, for when ZAHAL is given the order, Cast Lead 1, will be forgotten as no diplomatic pressure will place constraints on the actions to come. The shock of a school bus blasted off its route is on the mind of every IDF soldier. Hamas may run,but cannot hide.
10. Even if Hamas stops, it's no good.Author: Arthur RosenCountry: Canada04/10/2011 10:37
Even if Hamas stops firing rockets, it's no good anymore because they continue to stockpile weapons. Where that will stop, with a new regime in Egypt, is anyone's guess. This all makes it impossible to have peace talks, but Abbas and PA want it like this. The West Bank grows and prospers, but Gaza is kept as a wedge for more aid from west, and concessions from Israel.
Author: Arthur RosenCountry: Canada04/10/2011 10:15
Israel has more to fear from politicians like Barak than these few missiles. This taunting of Israel by terrorists in Gaza has been going on a long time and is likely to continue, all the while Hamas stockpiles much more effective weapons that will all be unleashed at once; They need to keep tensions high. ME has much sand to put your heads into. He must be following US orders. US is sinking and doesn't know what to do for themselves, let alone Israel.
8. Israel needs a leader who will defend itAuthor: NechamaCountry: Australia04/10/2011 10:04
Israel needs a strong leader to defend it. Anything else is just plain dumb. Israeli leaders keep kissing the asses of god-knows-who in the hope of gaining support and gets kicked in the teeth every single time. Didn't they see the recent video of the bullied kid who finally snapped and fought back hard? Grow some balls. Please. Even those of us who support and love Israel are growing frustrated with your continuing will to be seen as weak. Tikkun ha olam does not mean lay down like a rug and let your enemies walk all over you.
7. "When the Arabs put down...Author: Jehudah Ben-IsraelCountry: Qatzrin, Israel04/10/2011 09:21
...their weapons, peace will reign. But, when Israel puts down her weapons, there will not be an Israel". This observation of a very astute man is yet to be proven incorrect. The only people who still seem to lacking appreciation of it are the leaders of the EU and the present President of the U.S. It is time for a change...!!
6. Why stop firing? Dismantle the whole freaking PA tAuthor: EliCountry: Israel04/10/2011 09:19
5. So what will Hamas do? hand out flyers?Author: Big LeviCountry: Israel04/10/2011 09:10
hamas equals al-kaida equals nasrallah its all the same mentality and agenda
Author: ZevCountry: Israel04/10/2011 08:55
You would think 5+ years would be long enough. No other country would allow more than 150 rockets to fall on its citizens and respond by bombing empty buildings. How long does Barak need??
3. Get Barak retired or fired already!!Author: YehudaCountry: 04/10/2011 08:47