Barak to Miliband: Israel doesn't want northern front, but is prepared

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Britain's Foreign Minister David Miliband that Israel hopes to refrain from warfare in the North. In a telephone discussion on Operation Cast Lead, Barak told Miliband that "we are following the situation on the northern border as well. We have no intention to enter a confrontation there." "We hope the northern front will remain silent, but are primed and ready for any scenario," said Barak. Barak also updated US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on the recent developments of Operation Cast Lead overnight Saturday. Barak told Gates that "the operation will be extended as far as necessary, in order to end the Gaza-based hostile actions against Israel, and bring a fundamental change to the condition in the South."