Barak to Mitchell: We won't tolerate harm to our civilians

Defense Minister Ehud Barak told US Mideast envoy George Mitchell on Wednesday that Israel would not tolerate harm to its civilians or its sovereignty. Speaking during a meeting at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, Barak said Israel would act decisively in responding to every attempt by Hamas and other Gaza terror groups to attack. Barak briefed Mitchell on the current situation in the region, post Operation Cast Lead, and he outlined Israel's security interests. He said that the Gaza operation had presented new challenges and opportunities.