Israel eyes power reduction for Gaza

JERUSALEM, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak proposed Sunday that his government begin limiting electrical power supplied to the Gaza Strip.

Despite the fact Israeli Attorney General Menachem Mazuz has opposed such measures, Barak's proposal during a Cabinet meeting immediately garnered the support of both Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann, Ynetnews.com said.

"We are in the process of restricting the fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip and power cuts are not far behind," Barak said Sunday.

"We want to weaken Hamas' ability to service its people."

Barak's controversial proposal was also backed by Vice Premier Haim Ramon, who said the time has come for Israel to take action against Hamas.

"It's crazy -- they can send rockets that cause a blackout in Sderot but we can't cause blackouts in Gaza without bombing anyone?" the vice premier said during Sunday's Cabinet meeting. "We can't continue to do nothing against Hamas' terror."