After a night of rocket fire into southern Israel, with at least six rockets fired from Gaza, Yisrael Beitenu party leader MK Avigdor Lieberman is calling to weight the possibility of retaking control of Gaza. For Lieberman, statements that Hamas is most likely not behind the rocket fire is not relevant for he feels Hamas is responsible and if it cannot prevent rocket attacks, Israel may have to retake control of the area to halt the rocket fire.

“Since Hamas doesn’t plan to recognize Israel there may not be an alternative and the State of Israel may have to serious contemplate retaking Gaza to permit a serious cleaning out of the area” Lieberman told Israel Radio on Monday morning, 16 Tammuz 5773. He admits that “while we do not wish to find ourselves in such a situation, looking at the long term there may not be any alternative.”

He feels that the IAF attack against Islamic Jihad targets in response to the rocket fire is insufficient, for Lieberman explains “we cannot make do with just responding.” He warns that failure to act as we should at present will create a more ominous situation, in which in the years to come Hamas will have hundreds of rockets capable of reaching Tel Aviv and Netanya. “Hamas has no plan to come to peace with Jews living in Israel” he stated, signaling the time to act may be now.

Environmental Affairs Minister (The Movement) Yair Peretz, a resident of Sderot, stated that the rocket fire must be addressed with a definitive response and the responsibility falls in Hamas’ lap while simultaneously doing everything possible to renew talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority).

At least six rockets landed in a number of open areas during the night. The Iron Dome intercepted at least two incoming rockets. B’chasdei Hashem there were no fatalities or injuries reported.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)