Beytenu MKs on Jabari Targeted Killing

Published on: November 14, 2012

Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman met with senior workers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the diplomatic ramifications of the “Pillar of Defense” military operation in Gaza.  The reaction of international political leaders and guidelines for Israeli diplomats called on to respond to the situation were the central topics of the meeting.

Minister Liberman said, “It is very important to explain to countries worldwide that Israeli citizens have the right to live in peace and security – just like everyone else in the world.  Israelis cannot be expected to conduct their lives under the shadow of sirens and rockets from Gaza.”

The targeted killing of Ahmad Jabari today has elicited many responses from across the political spectrum.  The first to issue a response were the Yisrael Beytenu Knesset Members. Minister of Energy and Water, Minister Uzi Landau said, “I congratulate the IDF on a successful operation.  I hope this signals a fundamental policy-shift: no more mere responses.  We need the systematic pursuit of everyone who is behind terrorism.”

MK Moshe Matalon said, “Jabari was one of the people who foiled an exchange for Gilad Shalit.  He is directly responsible for many acts of terrorism and the murder of innocent civilians.  It is the right thing that he has paid with his life. A few days ago, I said that only a direct hit on the Hamas leadership would restore our deterrence capability.  But, we cannot stop here.  We must continue with a firm hand to restore our deterrence capability and sense of security to residents of southern Israel. All who support terror should know that their day will come.”

MK Lia Shemtov said, “The State of Israel has proven that all who threaten Israel have written their own death writ.  In recent days, southern residents have suffered from incessant Kassam rocket attacks. The targeted killing of the so-called Hamas chief of staff and abductor of Gilad Shalit sends a clear message: don’t mess with us!  No sovereign country would ever tolerate its citizens being fired upon. There’s no doubt that our response will in turn spark a response from Gaza against our citizens.  But, Israel must act firmly and determinedly.”