By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli security cabinet on Wednesday held back for the time being a possible broad military operation in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, giving more time to the Egyptian-brokered truce efforts.
Government spokesman Mark Regev announced the decision after a five-hour-long security cabinet meeting. He also warned that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue its preparations in case the ceasefire talks fail.
The ministers, who were required not to comment on the decision, agreed to take a hold position though a majority of them voiced support for a military action ahead of the meeting.
“We must bring an end to the Hamas government and that needs to be done through military means,” Vice Premier Haim Ramon told Armyradio earlier Wednesday, adding that “the truce deal with Hamas will not prevent a military operation, and there is no option other than to put an end to the organization on the ground.”
Egypt has been trying for months to strike a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, while disputes remain on the issues including the Israeli siege of the coastal strip, the arms smuggling and the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Earlier Wednesday, a Hamas spokesman warned that the Gaza Strip would become a “graveyard for IDF soldiers” should Israel invade the territory.