(Communicated by the Prime Minister’s Media Adviser)
The Security Cabinet convened this evening (Sunday), 20 May 2007, to continue discussing the situation in the Gaza Strip. Security establishment officials briefed ministers on recent events including the missile assault against Sderot and other communities in the area around the Gaza Strip.
It was decided to allow the security establishment to step up operational measures designed to reduce missile fire and strike at the terrorist infrastructure behind the firing. At this stage, operational activity will focus on Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets since these organizations are responsible for the current escalation. To the extent that these sharper measures do not lead to increased calm, the Security Cabinet will reconvene to consider additional, more drastic measures.
The military steps will be accompanied by diplomatic and information efforts in the international community in order to explain Israel’s actions and create the proper diplomatic climate that is conducive to achieving the goals that have been decided upon.
The Security Cabinet also decided to accelerate dealing with the Home Front in accordance with this morning’s Cabinet decision.