Barak Orders Army To Gird For Wide Gaza Operation
Meanwhile, Hamas leaders go into hiding as they fear a threatened Israeli assassination campaign. They also threaten “unprecedented” retaliation if Israel starts whacking them.
Haaretz:
Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Monday that he has instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for a possible wide-scale operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the ongoing Qassam rocket attacks from the coastal territory.
Barak told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israel would not rule out any possible course of action to bring quiet back to the western Negev and security to the residents of Sderot and nearby communities.
“IDF operations are continuing day and night and will even be expanded,” hen told committee members.
The defense minister said that in recent days, the IDF has killed 61 Palestinian militants. He added that over the last four months, 200 militants have been killed by Israeli fire.
Qassam fire “will not stop in two days or even in two weeks, but the army will stop the phenomenon,” said Barak.
During a meeting on security developments Sunday, and at the weekly cabinet meeting, Barak and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel needs to continue its preparations for a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, but that there is no point in rushing into one.
Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi recently gave orders for such preparations, but army sources insist that they have not received any order to initiate an operation. Military sources said that such operation is not likely to begin for several more weeks.
Barak has reiterated that Israel will not embark on a military operation unless Israel defines its goals, “has a [political] exit plan” and prepares the ground for broad international support for its action.
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“Qassam fire “will not stop in two days or even in two weeks, but the army will stop the phenomenon,” said Barak.”
Well let’s get on with it already!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:09 amI cant wait to see if the current Israeli government has the guts to really hit them hard this time. I know the IDF is up for it. hope they dont pull out after a few days like normal though
February 11th, 2008 at 6:58 amTime to tarmac the Gaza Strip.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:13 am