Al-Quds city, Sept 7, SPA -- Israel's army chief said Wednesday thatIsrael will respond forcefully to attacks by Palestinians from the Gaza Strip once Israel completes its withdrawal from the area, The Associated Press reported. Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz made the pledge during testimony to aclosed parliamentary committee, lawmaker Ehud Yatom toldreporters. "We also have mortar shells,"he quoted Halutzas saying.--SPA1442 Local Time 1142 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/287720