PM to Jones: Gaza crossings to remain shut until Schalit free Jul. 29, 2009 Herb Keinon , THE JERUSALEM POST

Israel will continue to keep the crossings to Gaza closed, except for humanitarian aid, until the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told US National Security Adviser Jim Jones on Wednesday.

A decision by Defense Minister Ehud Barak earlier in the day to allow the shipment of hundreds of tons of cement into Gaza did not signal a change in policy on the crossings, sources in the Prime Minister's Office said. Rather, the cement was earmarked specifically for three humanitarian projects, including a sewage plant under construction in northern Gaza and a flour mill.

In total, the IDF will allow in more than 300 tons of cement.

Israel has been under mounting international pressure since Operation Cast Lead to allow cement and steel into Gaza to rebuild the area. The government has barred the entry of these materials out of concern they would be used to rebuild Hamas's terrorist infrastructure.

Defense officials stressed that the supplies would be transferred directly to the United Nations and other international organizations and not to Hamas.

Sources in Netanyahu's office said that while the prime minister wasn't directly involved in the decision, he supported it as a humanitarian measure.

Israel will also allow in metal pipes and monthly shipments of cash to be used to pay government salaries.

Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Amos Gilad gave his approval for the transfer several weeks ago.

Sources in the Prime Minister's Office termed Netanyahu's meeting with Jones as "effective."

The talks, according to Israeli officials, dealt with a wide range of issues, from the diplomatic process with the Palestinians, to Iran and bilateral strategic issues.

I know that we could bring the terrorist threat down in Israel 99.99% after as little as six weeks work in the field if Israel took the gloves off.