Dichter: Gov't not making effort against Qassams

Minister of Internal Security disagrees with leadership's moderate policy on dealing with rocket threat, believes only extensive Gaza operation will lead IDF to success against Qassam launchers

Minister of Internal Security Avi Dichter isn't happy with the way the government has been handling the rocket threat. "We need to understand that an assassination here and an assassination there won't stop the Qassams," he told Ynet Sunday night.

"It's time to tell ourselves the truth: we need to stop the Qassams today, because I don't suggest waiting for a time when the Palestinians have better rockets. As a government, we can do much more," he stated.

"If we change our approach, it will bring about a regional change," Dichter explained. "We can't allow ourselves to be dragged into the war of attrition that Hamas and Palestinian organizations wage against us using the Qassams."

"If we succeed in stopping the rocket fire…it will lead to a second stage – where we can talk about a prisoner exchange for Gilad Shalit," he added.

Ronny Sofer
Published: 11.20.06, 01:31