Olmert threatens strong response to Gaza rockets

MATTI FRIEDMAN Israel's prime minister threatened "uncompromising" retaliation against Gaza militants Sunday as Palestinian rocket fire persists six weeks after Israeli forces halted an offensive meant to end the attacks. Ehud Olmert met with his Cabinet to decide how to respond now that it appears clear that the goal of ending the rocket fire from the Gaza Strip was not achieved. The military says Palestinians have launched over 110 rockets and mortar shells at Israel since the offensive ended Jan. 18. Many Israelis believe the Gaza operation ended too soon, leaving Hamas in power in Gaza and seemingly undaunted, and the continuing rocket fire has brought renewed calls for tougher military action. "If the rocket fire from Gaza continues, it will be answered with a painful, harsh, strong and uncompromising response from the security forces," Olmert said, speaking at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. Israel and Hamas have failed so far to reach a long-term truce through Egyptian mediation, and sporadic violence has persisted. Read more...