JERUSALEM, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz said on Sunday that Israel has no intention of recapturing the Gaza Strip or controlling the Palestinians, and it will leave there when mission is accomplished, the Yedioth Ahronoth daily reported.

    Speaking at a convention in Tel Aviv, the defense minister said that Israeli military operation Summer Rain in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is aimed at bringing about the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and ending militant attacks against Israel.

    "We left Gaza so as not to return, but our withdrawal does not mean we will allow Gaza to become a base for terror against Israel," he said, while blaming Iran and Syria for supporting terror groups in the strip.

    "Our withdrawal from Gaza has given us the legitimacy, also in the eyes of the international community, to act there against terror elements that threaten to act against Israel. I have to admit that I had hoped we would not be forced to enter Gaza, and we plan to leave as soon as the missions have been completed."

    "Two targets are facing us: an ongoing effort to return Gilad Shalit home. Second, to deal a blow to the Palestinians' capability to fire rockets at Israel. If both these conditions are fulfilled, we will return our soldiers home," he said.

    Peretz called on Syrian President Bashar Assad to pressure Khaled Mashaal, Hamas Politburo leader in Damascus, to facilitate the release of the kidnapped soldier. Enditem