'Israel May Have To Launch Fresh Operation Against Gaza'

Haaretz ^ | March 23, 2011 | By Haaretz Service and Reuters

[Strategy]

Vice Premier Silvan Shalom warned Wednesday that Israel may have to consider launching a fresh military offensive against the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, following days of rocket and mortar shell fire on the western Negev.

Islamic Jihad, a smaller Gaza faction and occasional Hamas ally, claimed responsibility for the two attacks on Be'er Sheva and one on Ashdod. The attacks followed a surge of shelling between Israel and Hamas that killed four Palestinian civilians and five militants on Tuesday.

Vice Premier Silvan Shalom told Israel Radio that the situation recalled the run-up to Israel's 2008-2009 Gaza war, which killed around 1,400 Palestinians. Hamas had mostly held fire from the enclave since.

"We may have to consider a return to that operation," Shalom told Israel Radio. "I say this despite the fact that I know such a thing would, of course, bring the region to a far more combustible situation."

If the rocket fire continues, Israel would have to embark on a wide-scale operation to topple the Hamas regime, Shalom told Israeli Radio. The operation would have to target leaders and commanders of terrorist movements, said Shalom, rather than just tunnels and open areas.

[Hardraade]

Well, that’s obvious. And the WH imam will probably open up a 4th front. Against Israel.

[tet68]

Don’t talk, ACT!

[MrB]

There is talk that the “new” UN doctrine of “Right to protect” could be used as an excuse for bombing Israel.

[circlecity]

"There is talk that the “new” UN doctrine of “Right to protect” could be used as an excuse for bombing Israel."

you bet. If Israel defends itself against mortar rounds coming from Gaza, Obama can push an effort to use force against Israel to protect the Gazan "civilians".

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Bounce the rubble.

[Tzfat]

A bomb just went off at the Central Bus Terminal in central Jerusalem. Hussein’s friends are at it again.