Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) that he is not disturbed by reports from Gaza that there are blackouts due to the closure and fuel embargo imposed on the Hamas-controlled area by Israel. Vilnai explains the terrorists are to blame, not Israel, stressing attacks on Israeli citizens will not be tolerated.

The decision to keep Gaza crossings closed resulted following the renewal of rocket and mortar shell attacks. On Monday morning, a mortar shell fired from Hamas-controlled northern Gaza fell short of its intended target, landing in Gaza near Kissufim Crossing. Later in the morning, a rocket was also fired at Israel. It too landed in Gaza.

Vilnai responded to the angry accusations against Israel by explaining “If there is one kilowatt of electricity in Gaza, it will be used for the factory manufacturing rockets.” The deputy minister stated until the rocket attacks are halted, the Gaza crossings will remain closed.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)