From a position officer? Finance Minister Yair Lapid, this morning, addressed the goals of the operation in Gaza, and declared: "All options are on the table, including occupying Gaza.".
Lapid said this in an interview with Walla. According to him, "The operation will end when the strategic threat of the tunnels is removed from the southern settlements, and Israeli citizens will be able to sleep peacefully at night and not fear terrorism. The goals are to deal with the tunnels and the firing from the Gaza Strip." Lapid added: "Israel should also set itself long-term strategic goals - and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip is one of those goals.".
Lapid, a cabinet member, was asked about how decisions are made in the cabinet, and said: "I will not elaborate on what happens within the cabinet. The decision on the operation was unanimous. The timetables are determined together with the heads of the security establishment. So far, we have uncovered five tunnels that reached into Israel, and we have hit quite a few launchers and terrorist operatives," he said.
Referring to the protests against Israel around the world, he said: "Public opinion is a fragile thing and there is no such thing as global public opinion. The fact that civilians are being killed in Gaza is regrettable, and we should blame Hamas for this and blame its people. We are not impressed by the fact that Hamas has already rejected proposals for a ceasefire, because we are using this time to act against it - and expand the operation.".
""We will never be like Hamas and we regret any harm to innocent people. The goal of Hamas is to sacrifice as many people as possible for their own interests.".
Lapid also expressed complete support for Prime Minister Netanyahu's policy: "I suggest that we not be defined by the marginalized, these are loud and dangerous marginalized. They are not Israeli society. The majority is behind the operation and in favor of unity," he said. "I think the Prime Minister is leading moves in a balanced and responsible manner, and this is fueled by the initiative that emerges from the ground.".
The Finance Minister was also asked about the economic implications of the operation: "A lot of numbers are currently floating around. The Israeli economy is strong and knows how to absorb the operation. We need to deploy an economic Iron Dome over Israel. We have already transferred millions of shekels to the south, to small businesses and local authorities.".
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