MR is now taking bets on when the ground operation will start. I was going to set the over/under at Wednesday night. But it looks like the rain cleared up early and Hamas rocket fire is intensifying – so Wednesday dawn. Overseas wagers only please:
On the fourth day of Operation Cast Lead, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that military action against Hamas would continue until all the goals are met. Speaking during a tour of Ashkelon on Tuesday afternoon, Barak said that the operation would intensify “as much as needed to meet the goals we set for ourselves, to bring quiet to the South.” The operation also aims “to strike a severe blow to Hamas,” he said, “in order to bring about an end to firing and other operations against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.” “We expect more difficult days ahead which will test civilians’ endurance,” he continued.
There was that rumor flying around yesterday that troops had already entered Gaza. That turned out not to be true. But there are probably special forces dropping in and out: most of the targeting coordinates are set into the jets before takeoff but there has to be some realtime targeting happening on the ground. Or does there? The depth of intelligence behind these air strikes has been insane.
If Hamas wants to avoid a ground invasion then launching another dozen or so rockets this morning: probably not the best move. Ditto for putting out press releases celebrating their murder of four Israeli civilians yesterday. Although killing a mother of four via an indiscriminate rocket barrage – such a glorious victory!
Of course there are arguments to be made that Hamas actually wants a ground invasion. Why not? If they win they’re heroes and if they lose they’re victims. What could go wrong
References:
* Barak: Gaza operation will intensify [JPost]
* Ground Forces Entering [My Right Word]
* Kassam rocket fired by Gaza terrorists hits Kiryat Malachi [JPost]
* Gleeful Hamas press release on 4 Israeli deaths [Elder]
* ANALYSIS / Hamas is hoping for an IDF ground operation in Gaza [Ha'aretz]
Previously:
* Yawn. UN Calls Emergency Meeting To Condemn Israel.
* UN Palestinian Stooge: "It’s Obvious" That Israeli Attack Violated 48-Hour Truce That No One Knew About Until Now
* Iran Orders Every Muslim In The World To Attack Israel
