Cabinet decides to expand Gaza operations
Security Cabinet agrees Wednesday on a series of steps aimed at bringing to kidnapped soldier's release, including enhanced activity in the Strip area and targeted operations against Hamas. Foreign Minister Livni set to continue exerting pressure on international community
The Security Cabinet authorized Wednesday Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz to order the IDF to brace for a prolonged operation in Gaza aimed at retrieving kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and put a stop to Qassam attacks.
Among the Cabinet's decisions: Targeting Hamas in the West Bank, concentrating on institutes and infrastructure in the service of terror; continuing to thwart and target Qassam cells; limiting the terrorists' freedom of movement by a further division of the Strip area.
It was also agreed to continue exerting pressure on the international community through Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, in a bid to push for a Syrian intervention that would bring to the soldier's release.
In addition, ministers decided that the army should avoid, as much as possible, hurting civilian population not engaged in terror, and to try and meet the humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Prime Minister Olmert is set to hold a meeting with Defense Minister Peretz, IDF officers and representatives of the defense establishment later Wednesday, in which plans for the implementation of the goals will be discussed and approved.
The PM's Office said in a statement following the Cabinet meeting: "Our stance remains clear: There will be no negotiations over prisoner release in exchange for the Israeli hostage. Israel considers the Palestinian Authority responsible for bringing Gilad Shalit to Israel safe and sound."
Limited war ahead
A diplomatic solution is not in sight, Jerusalem officials said Wednesday prior to the meeting. A meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that was set to take place in coming days is no longer relevant.
According to officials, the Egyptians are fed up with Hamas' lack of cooperation, and mainly with the organization's politburo chief Khaled Mashaal's failure to assist. The Americans, the Europeans, the United Nations and the rest of the international community have not made significant efforts to mediate in negotiations with Shalit's captors.
The prime minister himself has not mentioned his realignment plan since the kidnapping.
Defining event demands new solution
From today, one thing is clear, a political-military source tells Ynet: "Netivot and even Ofakim are in range of the Qassams. In other words, 200 thousand residents of Israel are in danger from Palestinian rockets. There is no doubt that this is a defining event, a new phase that will demand a new solution."
Rocket landed at Ashkelon school (Photo: Amir Cohen)
"It is a grave and unprecedented event – when a Qassam lands in a school in our southern city. The war on terror, led by Hamas, who control the Palestinian government, has reached a new level," said PM Ehud Olmert, in response to Tuesday's Qassam launching on Ashkelon. Olmert spoke at the home of the US ambassador to Israel in honor of the Independence Day celebrations.
According to the prime minister, "this drastic and criminal attempt to harm the citizens of Israel will have far-reaching implications. Of course, Hamas will be the first to be addressed." Political sources in Jerusalem say that a very harsh reaction is expected.
Pursuant to the events, Defense Minister Amir Peretz instructed IDF forces to intensify activities of operation "Summer Rains" in Gaza. Peretz explained that the operation had two objectives: the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and the removal of the Kassam threat. "We intend to meet both of our objectives," Peretz said.
