Lieberman: Demilitarisation of Gaza should be condition for its reconstruction

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said yesterday that the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip should be a condition for its reconstruction, QudsNet News reported.

“They build tunnels and 70 per cent of their taxes go to rearming. They don’t want to take care of their citizens, only rockets and tunnels,” Lieberman said during a visit to an army base in the north.

He added: “You know my opinions. I believe in reconstruction [of Gaza] in return for demilitarisation. You cannot expect Israel will permit them to rearm and rob Gazans of their money. Where do the taxes go? No to the benefit of Gaza’s resident and building homes.”

His comments come after dozens of Israeli air and artillery strikes hit the Gaza Strip overnight Sunday and early Monday, following reports that a rocket had been fired from the coastal enclave.