PM’s statement on the proposed ceasefire

Netanyahu says during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier:

“The goal of Operation Protective Edge was and remains to restore peace and quiet for all of Israel’s citizens, by severely damaging Hamas and the other terrorist organizations. And indeed, over the course of the last week we accomplished this while prevented their efforts to harm Israeli citizens.”

“We accepted the Egyptian proposal in order to present an opportunity for Gaza to be disarmed of its missiles, rockets, and tunnels through political means, but if Hamas does not accept this proposed ceasefire — and this is how it appears at present — Israel will have full international legitimacy for an expanded military operation to return the necessary quiet.”