Israeli ministers ask govt to respond to rocket attacks

"It is not certain that preventing the army from acting against Qassam fire does in fact work in favour of the moderates" in the Palestinian territories, Defence Minister Amir Peretz told the weekly cabinet meeting, referring to the home-made rockets fired by Gaza militants.

"The fire plays into the hands of those who boast their actions and see it as an achievement," said Peretz, who was quoted by a senior Israeli official.

Earlier Sunday, two rockets were fired into Israel, without causing injuries or damage, with the ultra-radical Islamic Jihad group claiming responsibility in Gaza City.

Under a ceasefire agreed by Israel and militants on November 26, the Jewish state withdrew its forces from the coastal strip while militants pledged to stop firing rockets.

Since then, however, at least 48 rockets have been fired into Israel, and one Palestinian has been killed and at least three wounded by Israeli fire in Gaza.

Last week, Israeli ministers began to call for the Jewish state to respond to the rocket attacks, and they continued to do so at Sunday's cabinet meeting.

"Israel must consider an extensive and decisive operation to stop the rocket fire with an emphasis on the heads of the terror organizations," said Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz, a former defence minister from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's Kadima party.

"A decision must be taken as soon as possible," said Mofaz, who was also quoted by an official.

Peretz told his cabinet colleagues that the army was identifying the rocket-launching cells, but not firing back at them.

Public Security Minister Avi Dichter demanded that the army "open fire toward the Qassam launching cells even before they fire the rockets."

Many of the rockets land in open fields, without causing damage or injuries, but cabinet ministers said the Israeli army should respond nonetheless.

"We must target anyone who fires towards Israel," an official quoted Trade Minister Eli Yishai, from the ultra-orthodox Shas party, as telling the cabinet.

"We can't allow them to make a joke out of Israel. Thank God nothing has happened so far, but we shouldn't wait for something to happen."