Olmert says army on standby for Gaza operation

JERUSALEM, June 26 (Reuters) Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said today he had put the army on standby for a major military operation against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip after a raid into Israel yesterday.

''Let it be clear: We will reach everyone, no matter where they are, and they know it,'' Olmert said in a speech in Jerusalem.

''There will not be immunity for anyone.'' Olmert is under pressure for action after the raid by Palestinian militants yesterday. Two Israeli soldiers were killed and another carried off to the Gaza Strip. Two gunmen were killed.

The violence has raised the prospect of Israeli troops returning to the Gaza Strip, from which thousands of soldiers and settlers were withdrawn last year after 38 years of occupation.

''I gave the military commanders instructions to deploy forces so that they are ready for a comprehensive and protracted operation in order to strike the terrorist organisations and their chiefs,'' Olmert said.

Reuters SHR VV1531