Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made this statement after meeting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday.
"If there is a possibility of achieving a long-term solution to this problem with diplomatic means, we prefer that," Netanyahu said.
"But if not, I'm sure you understand that Israel will have to take whatever action is necessary to defend its people." Clinton said she would work with Israel and Egypt on brokering a truce in Gaza "in the days ahead".
