Lieberman: War against Hamas must continue

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman yesterday announced his opposition to the ceasefire deal reached between his government and Palestinian fighters.

Lieberman is the latest in a number of other ministers who have already voiced their opposition to the deal; this could cause a change in the coalition or lead to an early election in case the coalition collapses.

On his Facebook page, Lieberman wrote: “As long as Hamas is controlling the Gaza Strip, we cannot guarantee the security of Israeli citizens. And, we will never reach a political reconciliation. Hamas cannot be a partner in any political or security agreement. You cannot trust killers.”

“We object any ceasefire which enables Hamas to develop its power and prepare for a new campaign against Israel in the time it finds appropriate,” he wrote. “As long as Hamas is not eradicated, the threat of rockets and tunnels will remain.”

He continued: “We have to undermine political gains for Hamas through the ceasefire.” He called for fighting Hamas “without concessions”.

Israeli radio said that four out of eight members of the security cabinet opposed the ceasefire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not put the deal for vote in the cabinet prior to its approval. He said it was because ministers “were updated about everything by telephone.”