(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

At the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Wednesday, 19 March 2014):

1. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks:

"Last night, the IDF attacked targets in Syrian territory. These were targets of Syrian elements that not only facilitated, but also cooperated with, the attacks on our forces. Our policy is very clear: We attack those who attack us. We are also, to the best of our ability, interdicting the transfer of weapons by sea, air and land, and this activity will continue.

This is what has led to – in the past year and over the last five years – a low level of terrorism. Last year, it was the lowest in a decade, both in terms of victims and in the launching of missiles and rockets. From time to time we must take vigorous action, as we are now doing, so that this quiet may continue. This vigorous policy is what is responsible for maintaining Israel's security and that of its citizens. Relative to the Middle East as a whole, which is undergoing profound turmoil, Israel is most stable and secure place in the entire region."

2. The Cabinet marked the government's first year in office.

3. Pursuant to Article 5 of the 2003 Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law, the Cabinet decided to extend the validity of the law for an additional year, until 30 April 2015 (pending Knesset approval).

Pursuant to the aforesaid Law and on the basis of the opinion of the authorized security officials, the Cabinet determined that the Gaza Strip is still an area in which activity is carried out that is liable to endanger the security of the State of Israel and its citizens; therefore, the Cabinet instructs the Interior Minister to continue not granting permits to reside and/or stay in Israel to those registered in the Population Registry as residents of the Gaza Strip and to those who reside in the Gaza Strip even though they are not registered as such in the Population Registry.