JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s operation in Gaza is continuing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
“The operation will continue until its goal is met – the restoration of a quiet for a long period. I said at the outset of, and throughout, the operation that it would take time and patience,” Netanyahu said Sunday at the beginning of the regular weekly Cabinet meeting.
The remarks come as rockets from Gaza continue to be launched at Israel, since the end of a 72-hour cease-fire on Friday morning. Israel has responded with targeted aerial and naval attacks, but as of Sunday afternoon had not sent ground troops back in to Gaza.
“Israel will not negotiate under fire and Israel will continue to take all action in order to change the current reality and bring quiet to all of its citizens. We will stand together, united and determined, until we complete the work,” Netanyahu said.
Palestinian truce negotiators threatened on Sunday to leave Cairo unless Israel agreed to return to the talks.
Egyptian mediators have continued to meet with the Palestinian negotiators, though Israel pulled out on Friday, saying it would not negotiate while southern Israel was under rocket fire.
