Israelis threaten to retake Gaza-Egypt border

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is to meet with top ministers this week to discuss a major anti-smuggling drive in Gaza.

October 22, 2006

Jerusalem: Israeli Cabinet ministers on Sunday called for a military operation to retake control of Gaza's southern border.

"Action must be taken without hesitation. Any hesitation is dangerous and we must act immediately," said Industry and Trade Minister Eli Yishai.

Army deputy chief Yom-Tov Samia has ordered the corridor to be retaken and its buffer zone widened - something that may entail razing Palestinian homes.

"The objective would be to prevent Hamas from replicating what happened with Hezbollah in Lebanon," said said Samia, referring to the governing Palestinian faction.

"This would have to take place in the coming days or weeks."

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was expected to convene top ministers on Tuesday or Wednesday to discuss a major anti-smuggling drive in Gaza, political sources said.