Posted on 07/08/2006 11:32:05 AM PDT by strategofr
Second Israeli incursion force pulls out of Gaza Saturday – first the armored units from the northern Beit Lahiya enclave, then the troops which pushed early morning into the Sejaya outskirts of Gaza City.Saturday, July 8, Israeli troops backed by tanks and helicopters clashed with Palestinians on the outskirts of Shejaya, killing 4 gunmen, while avoiding the urban area as in the Beit Lahiya operation. They withdrew a few hours later. Another IDF force pulled out of al-Atatra outside Beit Lahiya early Saturday after 48 hours of combat, leaving a small team to hunt for tunnels and bomb traps around Beit Hanun further south.
Overnight, Palestinian missile fire continued, peaking Friday to 25, including for the first time Netivot, 12 km, from N. Gaza.
DEBKAfile military sources report that Fatah-al Aqsa Brigades have taken over 30% of the missile barrage to compensate for staying out of the battles against Israeli troops. Hamas, Jihad Islami and the PRCs which lead the Qassam offensive are stepping up the pace of launchings to prod Israel into losing the tempo of its “incremental, measured operation” and getting the final do-or-die confrontation over quickly.
Stay the course, Israel!
"Stay the course, Israel!"
I am hopeful. Olmert seems to be toughening up.
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