Mofaz: For now, we won't retaliate for Gaza mortar fire
 
By Gideon Alon, Haaretz Correspondent
 
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz on Monday said that Israel will not respond militarily to barrages of mortar shells Palestinian militants have fired at the Gush Katif settlement bloc and the western Negev in recent days.

Speaking before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Mofaz said that "the government's policy at this stage is not to retaliate, and to give Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas a chance."

Since the killing of three Palestinian youths by Israel Defense Forces troops on Saturday, Palestinian militants have fired some 80 mortar rounds at Gaza Strip settlements, damaging several houses.
 

 

Haaretz.com