Minister of Intelligence Dr. Yuval Steinitz spoke on Wednesday, August 13, at JPC, on the possible scenarios regarding the ceasefire and/or the resumption of the hostilities. Dr. Steinitz reiterated Israel’s position, that calm will be answered with calm, and warned that if Hamas shells Israeli cities again, the response will be very powerful. He said that when Gaza is demilitarized like Ramallah, then there is a hope for an economic horizon for Gaza.
Addressing the new UN Commission of inquiry into Operation Protective Edge, Dr. Steinitz said that it was biased both in its mandate and the composition of its members. He was particularly critical of the designated Chairman, Prof. Schabas, who, he said, had expressed his views that Israeli leaders should be indicted. “The for Prof. Schabas to show that he is qualified for the job, is to disqualify himself”, said Dr. Steinitz.
About Dr. Yuval Steinitz:
Minister of Intelligence since March 2013. Finance Minister March 2009 – March 2013. Knesset Member since July 1999. Chairman, Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Published dozens of articles, mostly on security & diplomacy, in Israeli and foreign newspapers and periodicals, including: Ha’aretz, Yediot Aharonot, Ma’ariv, Ma’arachot, Jerusalem Post, New York Times and Commentary. Academic career: 1992-1999: Philosophy professor (senior lecturer) at Haifa University. Chosen as distinguished lecturer two years in a row. Published four philosophy books, which received great public acclaim in Israel. His book, Invitation to Philosophy (1987), is the most popular philosophy book in Israel history, printed in 40 editions so far.
