Subscribe to our e-mail alerts

E-mail:

Israel News Feed Or subscribe to our RSS feed | What is RSS?
Israel News from Jerusalem Newswire
Terrorism

Cabinet debates Gaza raid as more rockets fall


By Stan Goodenough
June 10, 2008

Once again Tuesday the Israeli Cabinet talked about how to respond to the unrelenting rocket fire launched from Gaza against Israeli citizens in the south of the country.

And for yet another day, Kassam rockets and mortar shells bombarded the Jewish state as Gaza's "Palestinians" attempted to increase the number of civilian casualties they could add to their growing list.

According to the Israeli media, a majority of Israel's ministers want to see some form of military operation take place on the ground in Gaza, but political considerations and timing continue to keep them from ordering the Israel Defense Forces to go in.

Two major factors appear to be endangering the lives and limbs of Negev residents: Whether or not to agree to a ceasefire and thereby stop attacking the terrorist organizations operating in Gaza; and whether or not to demand the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, who is being held in an unknown location in the Strip.

"Israel must launch a large-scale operation in Gaza against Hamas and the rest of the terror organizations," Ynetnews quoted Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim as saying prior to Tuesday's cabinet meeting. "Everyone understands that any ceasefire would only be temporary. Hamas is under pressure. The blockade did its job," he added.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak reportedly favors a "medium" strength operation into Gaza to "make the 'Palestinians' pay before Israel goes along with any ceasefire plan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Shas chairman Eli Yishai said there was no way Israel could agree to a virtual ceasefire agreement, without Shalit.

"We must see what alternatives the IDF proposes. We must act in Gaza; the question is when and to what extent," Yishai said.

As for the terrorists themselves, they were reportedly unconcerned Tuesday about any major IDF operation against them.

The Israelis know that the terror groups' response to any such move would be severe, unnamed Hamas officials told the Israeli press.

Furthermore, with all of Israel's dilly-dallying on the question of whether or not to go in, the Arabs have had plenty of time to prepare them a painful reception.

Like the article?
Help spread the word:
Jnewswire updates
Never miss another story
  • Inbox already too full?
    Subscribe to our
    RSS feed instead!