Israel Vows Harsh Attacks On Gaza
Olmert says Israel will exacerbate response to rockets
Prime minister tells cabinet launching of Grad rocket at Ashkelon Thursday constitutes escalation in terror activity emanating from Gaza, pledges army will increase response to attacks in Strip
Roni Sofer
Published: 01.06.08, 11:34 / Israel News
“The launching of a rocket at Ashkelon Thursday represents an escalation in the terror activity emanating from the Gaza Strip,” Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in a cabinet meeting Sunday.
“Israel will continue to respond and target those responsible for terror across Gaza. The defense minister has already ordered to increase the IDF’s operations in the area, and we have already seen results,” Olmert stated.
Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office said Sunday that in firing the Russian-made Grad rocket at Ashkelon, the Palestinians “have crossed the line.” The security forces plan to respond accordingly, and intensify operations against rocket launching cells.
“As has already been proven in the last weeks, Israel will retaliate with severity to terrorist rocket attacks at innocent civilians,” officials said.
At the opening of Sunday’s meeting, the prime minister referred to US President George W. Bush’s anticipated visit to the region this week, saying: “We will welcome him with open arms. This is a president who has shown great friendship towards Israel throughout his term and who has been a strategic ally in issues related to Israel’s economy and foreign relations.”
The cabinet is also scheduled to be briefed on the situation in Gaza by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and approve the prime minister’s suggestion to allocate $6 million towards a relief program for the Negev residents.
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Hey Olmert, your creditability is showing.
January 6th, 2008 at 7:24 amThe PA has read your book.
The mothers of palis “crossed the line” by uncrossing their legs.
January 6th, 2008 at 10:03 amThe BM-21 or “Grad” fires a “9-ft rocket” with a range of 20,380 meters. The 122-mm fin-stabilized rockets can deliver Frag-HE, chemical, or incendiary warheads to a range of over 20 kilometers, or the newer HE and cargo rockets out to 30 kilometers. It has a 40 tube capcity. Most likely Egptian-made. Hmmm…wonder where Hamas got those from?
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/bm-21.htm
January 6th, 2008 at 12:59 pm