We'll respond to any terror activity, security source says
Following Monday's shooting incident, in which an Israel Electric Corp. security guard was moderately injured, senior defense official says 'from now on, any terror incident will receive an appropriate response'
Kobi Ohayon, 42, and eight other employees were preparing infrastructure for four electricity poles. During the works he was hit by a sniper. The Karni crossing was closed alternately.
A senior security source told Ynet following the incident, "Patience has run out, and from now on the IDF will respond harshly to any attempt to hit Israeli targets from the Gaza Strip."
He refused to say whether this meant that Israel would end its restraint policy also over Qassam rockets fired from Gaza in the past few days.
Diplomatic officials said Monday, "This is Hamas’ answer, in record time – as soon as the coalition government was established – to all those who think there can be dialogue with (Hamas)."
The defense establishment views the incident as extremely severe, particularly in light of the fact that it took place shortly after the swearing-in of the new Palestinian government. Hamas, which is part of the government, claimed responsibility for the attack.
In the past few months, since the ceasefire which came into force in November 2006, the IDF has been instructed not to carry out any offensives in the Gaza Strip and has been practicing a policy of restraint against terror organizations.
Nonetheless, the Qassam fire continued and more than 40 explosive devices targeting IDF patrols have been uncovered.
According to estimates, if terror activities from Gaza continued, a military offensive could be launched, as terror organizations continue to arm themselves with advances weapons smuggled from Sinai through underground tunnels.
