I wouldn't want to reach that situation, but if it's forced upon us we have a plan to occupy the strip. We are in advanced stages of preparing forces for readiness. There is a practical plan and there are forces which are designated for specific operations and are training for them.

We're talking about more aggressive military activity. If the price we have to pay becomes unreasonable as a result of increased (Palestinian) attacks, then we shall have to take all steps, including occupying the Gaza Strip.

The area is overrun with terror. They still haven't reconciled with the new situation. The Palestinians do not have a reason to fire rockets into Israel because the last soldiers and the last of the settlers left the Gaza Strip over five months ago, but the terror attempts continue without any break.

We're talking about more aggressive military activity. If the price we have to pay becomes unreasonable as a result of increased (Palestinian) attacks, then we shall have to take all steps.

If rocket attacks continue and reach an untenable level, including long-range attacks, we will take the necessary steps, which could include the reoccupation of the Gaza Strip.

If tsunami and [US Hurricane] Katrina can be assisted, why can Pakistan not be assisted where maybe we're poorer and the people affected are poorer? Is the world community that lacking in conscience?