JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says the military has made impressive gains in its campaign against Gaza militants. But it must fight on, he says, to achieve the goal of halting rocket attacks on southern Israel.
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An Israeli soldier is seen on top of a tank at a staging area near Israel's border with Gaza prior a combat mission, January 11, 2009. [Agencies] |
Referring to a UN resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Olmert says that nobody but Israel can decide how best to protect its citizens.
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Israeli Army Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi (L), Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (2nd L), Defence Minister Ehud Barak (3rd L) and Yoav Galant (R), head of the Israeli army Southern Command, sit together during a visit to an army base in an undisclosed location in southern Israel, January 8, 2009, in this picture released by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO). [Agencies] |
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting Sunday he said that Israel's military had already made great sacrifices in the Gaza fighting, in which 10 soldiers have so far died. He says to stop now would be to waste that effort with success in sight.
Olmert said his country is nearing the goals it set for itself but "more patience, determination and effort is still demanded."
