* "Turkey should realize that the only stable, democratic country in the stormy Middle East and an ally which she can rely on, is Israel"
* Interview with His Excellency, Mr. Dan Ben-Eliezer, ambassador of Israel in Romania
Reporter: Your Excellency, how would you comment on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas?
Dan Ben-Eliezer: On November 21, Israel agreed to give a chance to a ceasefire with Hamas and all Palestinian factions that fired rockets, in order to enable the situation to return to calm before there was a need to use greater force, thus allowing the citizens of Israel to return to their normal lives.
In the two weeks since the start of this latest aggression upon Israeli citizens, more than 1300 rockets and mortar shells were launched from the Gaza Strip, killing and injuring innocent people. While the residents of communities near Gaza border have been suffering for many years from such attacks on a routine basis, as the terrorist activities escalated, missiles hit also Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other central areas of our country.
Israel decided to launch Operation Pillar of Defense as it could no longer allow its population to be under constant threat. But Israel has shown once again that it prefers the diplomatic track to solve conflicts and hopes that the understanding will be a sustainable one this time.
Based on this understanding shepherded by Egypt which led to the ceasefire, it will be possible to discuss in the future - not directly - other issues raised by the sides.
Israel will honor the ceasefire, but reserves the right to react in self-defense to its violation by the terrorist organizations.
Reporter: The Israeli government has demanded all attacks launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel be stopped for a long period of time. Has Hamas pledged to impose stricter control on all m
