PM: Elections won’t stop action in Gaza or against Iran

Israel will not hesitate to use force in Gaza and against Iran even during the current campaign period, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned at the start of Sunday’s cabinet meeting.

“If the quiet is not maintained in Gaza, even during the campaign period, we will not hesitate to act,” he said. The prime minister announced that Israel began building a barrier late last week along the Gaza border that will prevent infiltration.

The barrier will replace the current fence, which has been prone to breaches. Sunday morning, for instance, five Palestinians were arrested after getting across the fence in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.

The new concrete barrier, which is to be some six meters high, “will prevent the infiltration of terrorists from Gaza on the ground,” Netanyahu said.

Regarding Iran, the prime minister said, “I have an open message to the tyrants in Tehran: We know what you are doing and we know where you are doing it. We will continue to act against Iran with all the tools at our disposal, to ensure Israel’s security and secure the future of Israel.”

Netanyahu’s comments came after the Islamic republic claimed on Saturday that it had a new cruise missile with a range of 1,300 km. (800 miles) that can fly at low altitudes and carry a heavy payload.

“Iran is marking 40 years since the Islamic Revolution

and is trying to boast of a new missile,” Netanyahu said. “Iran openly declares its intention to destroy the State of Israel.”

Iran on Friday marked 40 years since the revolution that toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in the country and brought Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to power. •