Israeli cabinet meets as tension rises

Source: CCTV.com | 03-10-2008 16:12

Israel's cabinet has met amid incessant violence in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel.

The meeting comes as tensions continue to rise in Jerusalem after the shooting attack at a religious seminary which left 8 Israelis dead on Thursday.

During the meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel has the ability and force to respond to any threats and dangers.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Israeli officials said the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks would proceed on several levels despite the attack.

The comments came hours after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged Israel NOT to abandon peace efforts despite recent violence.

Israeli police have arrested several right wing extremists in East Jerusalem protesting against the shooting attack.

Palestinians say Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are scheduled to hold talks on Thursday, along with a US envoy assigned to monitor progress in the Roadmap peace plan.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei