(Haaretz).....Referring a barrage of more than 20 Qassam rockets and mortar shells fired at Israel by Gaza militants over the weekend, Livni said: "The agreement isn't being observed by the other side anyway."
During their meeting on Sunday, Barak said that "some people" were calling for an end to the cease-fire out of political considerations, saying "this is a political season that has brought with it brash remarks. What we need is responsibility and level headedness ? not criticism."
"We are aware of the suffering of the Israelis living in the Gaza area communities," the defense minister continued. "The fire [against them] is in part a response to successful Israel Defense Forces operations aimed at killing rocket launchers and terror attackers. The large-scale Gaza offensive isn't going anywhere, and the responsibility is, ultimately, mine. We are operating in efforts to make the most accurate decision at the most opportune time, and more than anything, not to make a mistake."
Livni responded that as a foreign minister she operates on political planes, and added "but he who is responsible for [Israel's] security must also take action."
According to Livni, the defense minister has been aware of her position on the issue "since the day he achieved the truce." However, she added, "there is no truce now ? Israel must respond when fired upon."
Barak's associates said in response that "Tzipi Livni's idle chatter have crossed the line. With all due respect for her campaign, it is only fitting that Livni show responsibility toward Israel's security instead of the weak messages placed in her mouth."
