REPORT: Intensive visits to Tel Aviv to discuss cease-fire efforts

Amid the scenes that reflect the peak of the Israeli readiness to implement a ground operation against Gaza, the continued arrival of reserve troops to the borders and the decision of the Foreign Affairs and Security committee to increase the number of reserve troops around Gaza from 40,000 to 75,000 troops, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his threats and warnings of using all possible means to defend the security of the Jewish State, in case the international efforts fail.             

Netanyahu stressed that Israel is "a strong state and is able to face all kinds of challenges," noting that their security capabilities must be preserved while dealing wisely with political matters.              

Netanyahu has been receiving several world figures within the framework of efforts to reach ceasefire.                   

In this context, Netanyahu received the German Foreign Minister then the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, and will be receiving the US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. During Ban Ki Moon's visit, the Palestinians launched two rockets towards Jerusalem that landed in an open area. The Israelis took advantage of such event.                    

For his part, the Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that he will keep on launching rockets and escalating operations, including targeting missile launchers and activists. "We will not hesitate in engaging in a ground operation if necessary," He added.                  

On the other hand, Netanyahu rejected a French-Qatari initiative concerning a ceasefire, preferring an Egypt-brokered solution. He insisted as well that his country's conditions imposed on the ceasefire agreement must be taken into consideration, such as ensuring a long-term solution of around 15 years, end weapon smuggling into Gaza and stop firing at the troops deployed on the border.                      

While Netanyahu requires that the dialogue continues at an Egyptian political level, not a security level, he ordered his army to continue its military operations as if peace talks are not being conducted.


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