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Israeli foreign minister, Tzipi Livni, interviewed on Meet The Press

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Uploaded by on Jan 4, 2009

DAVID GREGORY: Israeli air offensive against Hamas in Gaza has entered its second day. So far some 280 Palestinians have been killed and 600 wounded in the largest Gaza operation since 1967. This morning Israel is taking steps that could lead to a ground invasion, amassing tanks on the Gaza border and calling up army reservists. In response, Hamas has promised a new wave of suicide bombing attacks against Israel. A short while ago, after an emergency Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, I spoke with Israel's foreign minister, Tzipi Livni, and asked her how long the offensive would last.

MS. TZIPI LIVNI: Until we can, until we can change realities on the ground. The situation is a situation in which Israeli citizens are targeted from Gaza Strip, a place that we left few years ago in order to create a new horizon for peace. But we got Hamas in return.

MR. GREGORY: A lot of people are watching what's playing out, this air assault, and wondering why now?

MS. LIVNI: Oh, why now? Because after Israel decided to leave Gaza Strip a few years ago and we got Hamas in return. About a half a year ago, according to the Egyptian Initiative, we decided to enter a kind of a truce and not to attack Gaza Strip. Hamas violated, on a daily basis, this truce. They targeted Israel, and we didn't answer. But unfortunately, Hamas misunderstood the fact that Israel didn't retaliate, and only last week we had in a day 80 rockets, missiles, mortars on Israeli civilians. More than that, they used the field of truce in order to rearm themselves. They smuggled weapon, they built a small army in Gaza Strip, so the situation was unbearable Our goal is not to reoccupy Gaza Strip. We left Gaza Strip. We took off for the south. We dismantled all the settlements. But since Gaza Strip has been controlled by the extremists and since Gaza Strip has been controlled by Hamas and since Hamas is using Gaza Strip in order to target us, we need to give an answer to this.

MR. GREGORY: Is it acceptable to Israel for Hamas to remain in power in Gaza?

MS. LIVNI: It is acceptable only in time, only if and when Hamas accepts the requirements of the international community. Right now Hamas didn't accept, is not willing to accept the requirements of the international community, is not willing to accept the right of Israel to exist. It violates any kind of understandings and is using terror against Israeli civilians. So it cannot be legitimate and acceptable right now... Hamas doesn't serve the interests of the Palestinians or the moderate Arab world. You know that Hamas doesn't represent the national aspiration of the Palestinians. You know that Hamas represent this kind of ideology of hatred that they want to spread in the region. You know that Hamas stands on the--in the way of the Palestinians to create their own state...we are targeting Hamas, we are not looking for civilians to kill. More than that, during this military operation, we are trying to avoid any kind of civil casualty. Israel called the population of Gaza to leave places in which they know that Hamas has its own headquarters. Since Hamas is using the civilian population and is acting and targeting Israel from civilian population centers, we called the civilians to leave these places. We are trying to make all the effort in order to target only terrorists and Hamas headquarters and places. But unfortunately, in war, like any war, sometimes also civilian pays the price.

MR. GREGORY: But if the goal is to change realties on the ground, to change the behavior of Hamas, how much international condemnation is Israel prepared to accept and at what level of civilian casualties?

MS. LIVNI: You know, this is--the one who need to be condemned by the international community is Hamas. This is a designated terrorist organization, is, is not willing even to give an answer to the international courts to recognize the right of Israel to exist. He uses terror. Israel is a state that implements its right to defend itself and its citizens. So I expect the international community to work accordingly since the moment in which Hamas sees that the international community condemn--condemns Israel and not Hamas, these are--this is the moment in which they become stronger and holding and trying to avoid any kind of changes until the international community forces Israel to stop. So I expect the international community, including the entire Arab world, to send a clear message to Hamas, "It's your fault. It's your responsibility. You're the one who is being condemned. You are not going to get legitimacy from the international community this way or the other. The responsibility for the life of civilians in Gaza Strip is in your hands." And then we have some chance, chances to see a change in their, in not only their position, but in their behavior.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28408003/

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  • That bitch is talking nonsense. Her mouth is stinking like the devil. Hope we'll get rid of her soon anyway. Israel is a massmurder state.

  • TZIPI LIVNI IS A TRANSVESTITE!

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  • this bitch need a sleep in hell

  • WANTED For violations of 4th Geneva Convention:-

    Tzipi Livni. Mark Regev, Ehud Olmert. Benjamin Netanyahu. Ehud Barak. Matan Vilnai. Moshe Yaalon. Shaul Mofaz. Amir Peretz. Binyamin Ben Eliezer. Avi Dichter. Carmi Gillon. Dan Halutz. Doron Almog. Eliezer Shkedy. Gabi Ashkenazi.

    Anyone who comes across the suspects report to a human rights lawyer relevant for countries with universal jurisdiction. The suspects maybe armed and dangerous and must be approached with extreme caution.

  • back to auchwits

  • @Pegasusdigital

    why is it that Islam is the worlds fastest growing religion then

  • @gsx750biker she's being rational, honest and historically accurate and you know it

  • I SUPPORT ISRAEL!!!

    HATERS CAN SUCK A DICK

  • @skoi87

    " richard kemp has zero credibility"(skoi)

    By golly, Col. Richard Kemp, former commander of UK forces in Afghanistan has "zero credibility" ... who knew?... Shocking revelations... Absolutely stunning...

    -Her Majesty the Queen of England entrusted her military men & women's lives in his able hands, military acumen & judgment after never ending consultations with her military Chief of Staff

    -However, you beg to differ ... You know better

    -Well good for you sweetie... Good for you...

  • @CheshireQueen1

    July 20,'10

    UN chief auditor issued strong condemnation of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, according to Washington Post.

    Inga-Britt Ahlenius, (UN Internal Oversight Services chief), wrote that Ban prevented efforts to root out corruption & hiring staff. 'Your actions are not only deplorable, but seriously reprehensible. ... Your action is without precedent & seriously embarrassing for yourself,' Ahlenius said. 'I regret to say that the UN is in a process of decay.'

  • @CheshireQueen1 -- Goldstone works for the "Oil for Food" satanically corrupt UN. -- UN gave Iran a seat at the Women Status commission -- Libya at the Human Rights commission. -- Condemned Israel 200 times -- The infamous "Jenin Massacre" that never happened -- Israel demanded UN re-examination -- UN relented -- New findings - A total Palestinian fabrication -- Reuters' self admittedly doctored & fabricated "damning" Israeli bombing in Lebanon -- A pathetic mockery & global hypocrisy.
  • @CheshireQueen1

    Watch an absolutely shocking video!!!

    watch?v=bZpmvnEwDdU&feature=em­ail

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