As was predicted, the Security Cabinet on motzei Shabbos voted to accept a unilateral ceasefire. Two ministers opposed the vote and one abstained.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert led the nationally-aired live media event, explaining the decision which is contrary to the will of the people.
The prime minister explained that exactly three weeks earlier, on a motzei Shabbos, he and his senior ministers explained the reasons behind the decision to launch Operation Cast Lead. "The [Hamas] leaders are hiding and their ability to manufacture and import rockets have been destroyed...Most of the launching sites are in IDF hands."
The prime minister applauded the performance of the IDF, and the enthusiasm and willingness of reservists to respond to the call of the hour and respond, exhibiting a willingness to fight to bring an end to rocket attacks against southern civilian population centers.
...As a result of the IDF success, the international community is standing behind Israel in the understanding Hamas' aggression must be halted. Olmert thanked Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni for her successful efforts towards enlisting support of many world leaders, now committed to the halt of weapons smuggling into Gaza, including the leaders of England, Germany and France, along with the United States of course.
The prime minister stressed "Israel left Gaza in 2005 up to the last millimeter with the intension of never returning... Hamas' regime in Gaza is a branch of Iran in every way; funded, trained and supported by Tehran... they were mistaken. They miscalculate" regarding Israel's response, which exceeded all of Hamas' expectations, delivering a mighty blow to the terrorist regime�s infrastructure.
Mr. Olmert went on to defend the morality of the IDF, and the performance of the nation and the ongoing efforts to maintain humanitarian aid to Gaza, on a daily basis. "We do not have a battle with the Palestinian people, but with Hamas."
"I spoke with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak today, and he detailed the points of the Egyptian efforts towards a ceasefire... as such, the cabinet agreed to accept my position and a ceasefire will begin at 2:00am. The IDF will maintain its presence in Gaza, as well as its vigilance, and will response to every violation and if our enemies wish to test us, not having learned with the blow sustained to date, the response will be a forceful one.� Hamas did not believe Israel would embark on such a major military campaign before elections and Hamas hasn't yet realized the blow it sustained, but I suggest Hamas does not test us for such a move would be costly."
Regarding Gilad Shalit, the prime minister stated he will not detail in a public forum, but assured the nation that Shalit's plight remains at the top of the government's agenda.
As of 2:00AM Sunday morning, January 18, 2009 (7:00PM EST - Saturday January 17, 2009), the IDF will halt all offensive operations in Gaza.
(Yechiel Spira - YWN Israel - Motzei Shabbos Eretz Yisrael)
http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=28936
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