Israel warned Islamic Jihad and Hamas leaders to stop immediately launching rockets from the Gaza Strip to the Israeli territory. The message was clear: If rockets continue to explode in Israeli towns and village, Israel will retaliate with force. Israel said that the leaders of the terrorist organizations, who call themselves “political leaders,” are responsible for the terrorist attacks. Defense Minister Amir Peretz said that all leaders of the terrorist organizations are legitimate targets of the Israeli Army, including Prime Minister Ismail Haniya. Israel sent its warning to Haniya through Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The Palestinians have been shelling towns near the Israeli–Gaza border, especially Sderot, Perertz’ hometown.