_a.jpg "Photo: Yaron Brenner")
How to fight Hamas, not civilians?
Defense minister to meet Thursday with heads of defense establishment in order to form series of recommendations on Israel's options ahead of swearing in of new Palestinian parliament Saturday
According to estimations, the meeting attendees will not reach any dramatic recommendations, such as cutting off all relations with the Palestinian Authority.
Defense establishment officials will refer to a series of options, which would on one hand cut ties between Israel and a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority, and on the other hand, would not critically harm the Palestinian population.
Israel is aware of the fact that sights of hungry children and harsh economic distress would lead to heavy international pressure on Israel, and therefore the defense establishment's recommendations are expected to range between disconnecting Israel from the PA, but still maintaining a certain dependence, at least in regards to the Palestinian population.
During the brain storming session, officials will recommend various moves drawn from a list of options. Among the issues on the agenda are Israel's position regarding the so-called "safe passage" from Gaza to the West Bank, entry permits to about 15,000 Palestinian laborers who work in Israel, and the continued operation of Gaza border crossings, namely Erez and Karni, under the current format.
Other matters expected to be raised during the discussion include the transport of goods from Gaza to the West Bank and Israeli ports, developing international border crossings, and the question of possible support for setting up and operating the Gaza seaport and airport.
Other issues include the passage of Palestinian figures between Gaza and the West Bank, and continued tax collection on behalf of the PA at border crossings.
According to estimates, only a small portion of the options available to Israel will be utilized in early stages. Defense officials estimate that the first phase would see the introduction of mostly economic sanctions. Israel may also resort to gradual toughening of its moves should senior Hamas figures adopt increasingly militant rhetoric.
Meanwhile, security officials will likely not recommend cutting the supply of electricity to the Palestinian Authority and argue the move would prove ineffective and taint Israel's image abroad.
The series of discussions are expected to be attended by Army Chief Dan Halutz, Shin Bet Director Yuval Diskin, and Mossad Director Meir Dagan, among others.
Rocket smuggling from Egypt feared
The meetings will also include security briefings that will address fears related to Hamas control over Palestinian security forces, the smuggling of weapons, including long range rockets from Egypt, and Iranian fund transfers that would finance terror activity.
Up until now, Israel adopted a policy of distinguishing between Palestinians who do not take part in terror activity and terrorists. The working assumption stressed that improving Palestinian welfare (by issuing work permits inside Israel, opening border crossings, and removing roadblocks) would allow innocent Palestinians to live with dignity and not cause frustration that would push them to engage in terror.
Israel boosted this policy in recent months in an effort to assist Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. However, following Hamas' elections victory, Defense Minister Mofaz said Israel "will need to consider each step in a responsible, measured manner."
"We'll undertake more assessments and we'll have to read the reality on the Palestinian side," he said. "It's a complex reality and I propose that we conduct ourselves responsibly and without errors, and avoid premature declarations."
Final decision Friday
The deliberations, which are expected to last throughout the afternoon, are the second phase preceding the main deliberation expected Friday with Olmert.
The defense establishment's recommendations and the options regarding international funding of the Hamas-led PA will be prepared for Olmert on Friday.
According to one estimate, Israel will not rush and use all the sanctions it possesses, in order not to arouse the international community against it. Israel and the international community have been cooperating since the Palestinian elections.
At the same time, Israel is very aware of the American position. The Americans work behind the scenes to formulate a unified international policy against the PA in the Hamas era.
On one hand, it is clear to the Israelis that the Americans oppose sanctions that may lead to a complete separation from the PA, or extreme sanctions that may hurt the civilian population.
On the other hand, Jerusalem is quite aware that Washington will welcome a reasonable response which will tighten the economic blockade on the PA, and could eventually lead the Palestinians to rethink about incorporating Hamas in its government.
In addition to this already complex situation, there is also the war on Palestinian terror that Israel is waging. The defense establishment has no intention to ease its activity against the Islamic Jihad in the northern West Bank. The activity against Qassam rockets in the Gaza strip will also continue.
This week, 15 rockets launching attempts were identified. Half of the rockets landed in Israeli zone, even in sensitive facilities in southern Ashkelon.
The defense establishment mentioned "rational" activity, daily status evaluations, and responsible progress with a constant glance toward the other side.
Hanan Greenberg contributed to the report
