Barak: Israel to proceed with power cut

Sunday November 11, 2007 19:13 by John Smith - IMEMC & agencies

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday stated that the Israeli government will proceed with plans to limit the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip, despite the Attorney-General's ruling concerning the illegality of the move.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak

Barak announced the move during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, telling fellow ministers that the process of restricting supplies had already begun.

"We are in the process of restricting the fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip and power cuts are not far behind,we want to weaken Hamas' ability to service its people," the Defense Minister stated.

Barak's decision is reported to have the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Vice Premier Haim Ramon and Justice Minister Daniel Freidmann, in addition to a number of others, with Freidmann, in particular, castigating the Attorney Genera's decision.

"It is up to the government to decide on Israel's foreign policy, including any sanctions it wishes to employ against other nations or entities ... The government is paralyzed by the Attorney-General. An adviser should give advice - is a certain decision good or bad. Here advice has become commands. The adviser is the government's commander. The legal adviser should advise, and the government should act," Freidmann stated.

Israeli Attorney General Mazuz had earlier ruled that the implementation of any future power restriction should be temporarily delayed while the implications of such a decision are examined.  

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