Hamas’s most recent mortar barrage scored a direct hit on an IDF base, badly injuring 8 soldiers and costing one his leg. This was while they were also launching another one of their constant rocket and missile attacks on Israeli schools and hospitals. Eventually the IDF will have to do something…
Following a mortar shell attack by Palestinian terrorists on an IDF base that left eight soldiers wounded, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilna’i said on Saturday that a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip was approaching… “The calm is important to us and to them [when] we are controlling the checkpoints and [when they] fear the IDF’s strength. But, we must find the right time for action. Their [actions] do not leave us many choices,” he said.
… as is being recognized more and more widely…
Public sentiment notwithstanding, Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, argues that a military offensive in Gaza should be undertaken if rocket fire persists. Even Israeli political leaders, who typically agree on virtually nothing, can agree on this point. Likud leader Yuval Steinitz surmised earlier this year, “The only way to eliminate rocket attacks is for Israel to launch a military operation.” He added that because Gazans elected Hamas, this gives Israel “the full right and duty to react.” In May, Labor leader Binyamin Ben-Eliezer agreed, stating that Israel has “no choice but to destroy all the nests of terror.”
… at which point global anti-Israel condemnation will naturally erupt. Because it’s a cycle of violence you see. I mean – it’s actually a cycle where Israel talks about extending the ceasefire and Hamas attacks Israelis. But close enough for UN work.
At least international anti-Israel partisans will sound marginally less stupid when they rant about “occupied Gaza.” Silver lining and all that.
References:
* Soldier loses leg in mortar shell attack [JPost]
* Maybe Hamas Will Extend The Ceasefire They Keep Breaking With Daily Rocket Barrages… [MR]
* Vilna’i: Large Gaza op approaching [JPost]
* Shaky Ceasefire Now Being Shaken Daily By Hamas Rockets [MR]
* Gaza Powder Keg Set to Explode [Sharnoff / PJM]
* The Myth Of Occupied Gaza [WaPo]
Previously:
* Israel Responds To Long-Range Rocket Attacks By Sending Food And Medicine Into Gaza (Plus: Gaza Markets Still Bustling) [Video]
* Moderate State Department Darling Abbas: We’ll Declare War If Israel Doesn’t Withdraw
* Palestinians Firing Missile Barrages At Israeli Hospitals Treating Gaza Residents (Plus: Israeli Response Somewhat Underwhelming, Constrained)
