“No Country In The World, Even Those Preaching Morals To Us, Would Have Shown The Tolerance And Restraint That We Have”
Jan 11, 2009 5 Comments ›› Angelia
Jerusalem Post:
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that the IDF was getting close to the objectives set for Operation Cast Lead.
Speaking at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, the prime minister warned that what had been achieved thus far in an “unprecedented effort” must not be lost at the last moment.
Olmert also hit back at the mounting international criticism of the Gaza operation.
“No country in the world, even those preaching morals to us, would have shown the tolerance and restraint that we have,” he said.
“We have never agreed that anyone decide for us if we are allowed to strike at those who send missiles into our kindergartens and schools, and we never will,” continued the prime minister.
“Israel is approaching the goals it set for itself, but we require a bit more patience, determination and effort so that our citizens can feel safety and stability.”
Defense Minister Ehud Barak emphasized that Operation Cast Lead was continuing even as diplomatic options were being examined.
“We are continuing to act in order to restore quiet to the South and to prevent weapons smuggling via the Philadelphi Corridor,” Barak said.
“The IDF is operating by air, land and sea and is also exploring the diplomatic channel,” he continued. “There is no contradiction between the two.”
