TEL AVIV, December 30, 2008 (WAFA)- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said, Tuesday, that the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip is the first phase in a series of steps approved by the Israeli cabinet.

During his meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres, on Tuesday morning, Olmert briefed him on the Israeli offensive in Gaza, according to the statement of Israeli Government Press Office.

In the meantime, Israeli military official Matan Vilnai said, that Israel was prepared for a prolonged operation in the Gaza Strip.

'The army is prepared for a long operation,' he told reporters. 'We have made preparations for some long weeks of action.'