Ehoud Olmert: We are approaching goals set for Gaza operation

      Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that the IDF was getting close to the objectives set for Operation Cast Lead. Speaking at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, the prime minister warned that what had been achieved thus far in an "unprecedented effort" must not be lost at the last moment. "Israel is approaching the goals it set for itself, but we require further patience, determination and effort so that our citizens can feel safety and stability," said Olmert. "The Israeli public, especially the residents of the South, have the necessary patience and willingness - so does the government!" Olmert also hit back at the mounting international criticism of the Gaza operation. "No country in the world, even those preaching morals to us, would have shown the tolerance and restraint that we have," he said. "We have never agreed that anyone decide for us if we are allowed to strike at those who send missiles into our kindergartens and schools, and we never will," continued the prime minister. Olmert defended the Security Cabinet's decision to continuation of the Gaza operation in spite of Thursday's night's UN Security Council resolution which called for an immediate and durable cease-fire. "I must note that UN Security Council Resolution 1860 also sharply rules out continued attacks directed against civilians and does not forbid urgent action against them," he said. Defense Minister Ehud Barak emphasized that Operation Cast Lead was continuing even as diplomatic options were being examined. "We are continuing to act in order to restore quiet to the South and to prevent weapons smuggling via the Philadelphi Corridor," Barak said. (13,09)