Special report: Palestine-Israel Relations    

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R) meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, June 2, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    JERUSALEM, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said upon return from his visit to the U.S. Friday morning that Israel is close to a decision on the issue of the Gaza Strip, hinting that a major military operation is possible.

    Olmert made the comments while arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, echoing Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak who said Thursday that Israel is likely to launch act against Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip before ceasefire agreement can be reached.

    The prime minister also mentioned the situation in Gaza before his departure from Washington on Thursday, saying "We are not eager for a military operation. But we are not shying away from one," according to the local daily of Ha'aretz.

    "We are closer to a military operation in Gaza than we are to any other type of (diplomatic) arrangement," Olmert was quoted as saying.

    Regarding the Egyptian-mediate ceasefire in the works, Olmert said "Israel's conditions for calm have yet to present themselves. I can't at the moment claim to know what exactly Hamas is offering us."

    It is expected that Olmert would convene his security cabinet next week to discuss the situation in Gaza.

    Since Hamas seized control of Gaza a year ago, Palestinian militants have fired rockets into Israel almost daily. Israel frequently responds with air strikes and ground incursions into Gaza.