Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni has said that the escalation in the Gaza Strip has had negative effects. This, she claims, necessitates the immediate restoration of Israel’s deterrence capability. In an interview with Army Radio, Livni said that the political isolation facing Israel is limiting its ability to act militarily, while avoiding a political approach is damaging the state’s security.
Meanwhile, Likud Minister Benny Begin has stressed that Israel must exercise the power it possesses with wisdom, and only when necessary. According to Begin, Hamas called for a cease fire through coordination with other factions, not because of the power used by Israel but because it was used appropriately.
Begin said that he holds Livni and MK Shaul Mofaz responsible for the proliferation of weapons in the Gaza Strip, and he described as “strange” the attempt to hold the current government responsible for everything.