Israel Matzav

He said that the move could be a full or a partial occupation, and claimed that his plans have been approved by Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz.

Israel has already made two brief incursions into the Strip to search for explosives. But, defense officials said, the odds of a large-scale operation or full occupation were slim because of financial and political constraints.

"I wouldn't want to reach that situation, but if it's forced upon us, then we have a plan to occupy the Strip," Galant warned. "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."

Galant added that "intolerable" nonstop attacks, or the use of longer-range and more powerful weapons such as Katyusha rockets, could lead to a large-scale ground operation.

In the wake of recent Hamas comments justifying the Pessah suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, Galant said that although Israel held Hamas responsible for the violence, it was holding off direct military action against the group for the time being.

"In the new reality, the military acts against all terrorist organizations, except Hamas, which is restraining itself," Galant said.

I disagree and I think Israel should act against Hamas. All of the terrorist groups are made up of the same people wearing different uniforms.