Israel decides to maintain policy of restraint in Gaza

Israeli Security Cabinet decided on Sunday to maintain policy of restraint in Gaza, despite continuous rocket attacks launched from the Palestinian side into southern Israel.

The Security Cabinet met hours after a Qassam rocket struck in the Negev to discuss how to respond to the Palestinian rocket attacks against southern Israel, local daily Ha'aretz reported on its Website.

However, the cabinet adopted the proposal offered by Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz to carry preventative action against the Qassam fire.

Peretz told the cabinet meeting that the Israeli army should fire at the Palestinian militants who involved in rocket firing as the ceasefire in Gaza is only being observed partly by the Palestinian side.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also voiced support to Peretz proposal at the cabinet meeting, saying that "Israel must act responsibly and wisely, while considering all aspects of the matter."

His speech was echoed by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who said that the "situation is sensitive, and we must act wisely and with serious consideration."

The newborn mutual ceasefire between Palestinians and Israel seems short-lived, as the Palestinian rocket attacks and Israeli counterattacks continued regardless of the truce deal.

On Nov. 26, following months of Israeli military operations, Israel and the Palestinians agreed on a ceasefire under it Israel withdrew forces from Gaza in exchange for stopping home-made rocket attacks against Israel.

Source: Xinhua