_a.jpg "צילום: ירון ברנר")
Daily situation analyses: Mofaz
צילום: ירון ברנר
South Gaza: Kerem Shalom crossing to open
Situation analysis in Tel Aviv concludes with decision to open crossing in southern Gaza in place of Karni crossing closed due to security reasons
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz decided Thursday to open the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, as a replacement to the Karni crossing, closed due to security reasons, despite objections by the Palestinians.
The weekly security meeting held in the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv was attended by Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, Shin Bet representatives, and senior defense officials.
The defense minister said that he would be holding nightly situation analyses from now on, in order to decide whether the Karni crossing should be opened.
The commercial goods crossing was closed again on Saturday night, after a full closure was placed on the territories, following two days in which the crossing was open.
In 2006, the crossing was open for just 30 days, while in January, the Defense Ministry formulated a temporary solution according to which the Kerem Shalom crossing will be opened in its place, although Palestinians have objected to this.
Due to estimations that Karni will remain closed for another number of days at least, Mofaz decided to transfer humanitarian equipment to the Palestinians in Gaza through the Shalom crossing, which will open this coming Sunday.
The Defense Ministry pointed out that dozens of trucks can pass through the Shalom crossing a day, enabling Palestinian agricultural exports to the Israeli market to reach their destinations.
Mofaz: Jericho operation sent message to other side
During the meeting Mofaz addressed the IDF operation to capture the killers of Rehavam Zeevi in the Jericho prison.
The defense minister said that the operation sent a message to the other side. "The State of Israel won't compromise on its security and national principles; there are issues on which there won't be dialogue. On these matters we are showing determination in order to obtain our goal," said Mofaz.
He added that targeted assassinations should be increased due to intelligence, adding that awareness among civilians and soldiers to threats, including kidnappings, should be increased too.
During the meeting Mofaz point out that the security forces would begin mobilizing for the elections two days before the elections, and will include a widespread movement of forces and an increase in IDF activity.
"We must ensure that the terror does not affect the democratic process in the State of Israel," said the minister.
Mofaz highlighted that there is a belief among security officials that terror organizations will try to strike senior Israeli officials, including army and senior government officials, especially due to the Jericho operation.
He added that there as no intention at this time to remove the closure on the territories, which will continue until further notice.
Mofaz instructed an increase in the response to the cells launching Qassam rockets from Gaza, due to the rise in the number of rockets launched at Israel.
