TEL AVIV, September 4, 2007(WAFA)-Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak ordered the defense establishment Tuesday to examine the implications of temporarily cutting the Gaza Strip off from electricity, in response to the ongoing Qassam rocket fire at southern Israel, Haaretz reported.

The daily added that the defense minister ordered an examination of "the operational and legal aspects of steps designed to limit Hamas' rule in the Gaza Strip."

Meanwhile, Vice Premier Haim Ramon, one of a growing number of cabinet ministers in favor of cutting off utilities to Gaza in response to Qassam fire, said Tuesday that Israel should put a "price tag" on every rocket launched at Israel.

The call to cut off water, electricity, gas and fuel to the Strip is seen as an alternative - or, if unsuccessful, a prelude - to a broad Israeli incursion into northern Gaza and perhaps the Philadelphi Route in the south.

"We will set a price tag for every Qassam, in terms of cutting off infrastructures," Ramon said . "The Hamas will determine that price tag. It will know this in advance."

"We will not continue to supply 'oxygen' in the form of electricity, fuel, and water while they are trying to murder our kids. The capability to do that stems from the fact that we are not in Gaza."