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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the annual memorial ceremony for David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minisiter, in Sde Boker, southern Israel, 20 November 2012. Benjamin Netanyahu addressing a news conference with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in Jerusalem, said Israel would be a 'willing partner to any long-term solution' to the Gaza crisis.  EPA/DAN BALILTY / POOL

Jerusalem - Israel wants to find a long-term, diplomatic solution to resolve the Gaza crisis, but will not hesitate to escalate its military campaign against Palestinian militants if needed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday.

“If a long-term solution can be put in place through diplomatic means then Israel would be a willing partner to such a solution,” Netanyahu said after talks with the U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

“But if stronger military action proves necessary to stop the constant barrage of rockets, Israel will not hesitate to do what is necessary to defend our people,” he added.

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