“Whoever expects a response to every rocket does not understand he is giving a veto to the ceasefire to the last of the whippersnappers in the area” Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Walla News.

Barak agreed to be interviewed as the ceasefire was announced, stating “we live with our feet on the ground. Should we go into Gaza with every rocket launch? This would permit anyone opposed to the ceasefire to compel us to act against our will to ignite the area again.”

Barak points out that there has been relative peace along the border to Lebanon for the past six years because “This works when there is a group working on the other side of the border and not within the border and this is not the case because we said nothing would occur. There were a number of rockets and we did not response. We understood they were insignificant. There is no reason to ignite the area of the border over this. Their time will come as Israel monitors who is responsible via intelligence means, and if we think it is Hamas, Jihad or others, we will act against those violating the ceasefire.”

Regarding the diplomatic process with the PA (Palestinian Authority), Barak feels the current administration has not done enough, explaining he fought the leaders to change direction, “but I am not a majority in the government” he explains.

“We are not responsible that the Islamic Brotherhood has gained control in Egypt. This is the real reason Hamas felt strengthened at present. We owe it to ourselves to work towards achieving an agreement with Abu Mazen, to get to the two-state solution, to strengthen the PA and not Hamas.”

Regarding the Egyptians, Barak states the current agreement strengthens Egypt. He states Egypt has “strong views” about Hamas regarding passages, marine and aerial access. Barak feels it is critical to restore law and order in Sinai and the most effective weapon is to persuade the Egyptians to do this full force.

Hamas took a serious beating during Operation Pillar of Defense. “Our chief of staff met with and spoke with soldiers [during the fighting] while their chief of staff is buried underground”. Barak explains that a significant quantity of Hamas’ weapons and ammunition has been destroyed along with a portion of Hamas’ infrastructure, offices, banks and more.

Barak adds that if Hamas adheres to the agreement and ceases aggression, there is no reason to deal with the border. Should there be violations, we have a right to respond. “A document will not do it. The real test is not on paper, but what occurs in actuality. For as long as they fear they will not act [against us]. The understanding will be upheld.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)