Monday, March 03, 2008

Why aren't we firing back?

From Ynet News, 2/3/08, by Roni Sofer:

Vice Premier Haim Ramon wants IDF to shoot back at launch sites even if they are located in civilian areas, says measure was approved during Lebanon War; justice minister to look into matter

...Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann will look into the legality of Israeli counter-fire on Palestinian targets located in the heart of population centers used as rocket launching sites.

...Speaking at Sunday morning's government session, Ramon said: "Why don't we shoot at the sources of the fire? According to international law, we are allowed to do it. The issue was legally examined during the Second Lebanon War and the conclusion was that if they fire from a village, we are allowed to fire back even if this is a populated area."

During Sunday's government session, the ministers raised ideas about how to cope with the Gaza escalation, ahead of a meeting on the issue attended by three senior officials - Prime Minister Olmert, Foreign Minister Livni, and Defense Minister Barak – as well as senior security officials.

The national security cabinet is expected to convene Wednesday to decide on Israel's next move in the Strip....

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