IDF incorporates reservists in Gaza op

Military said to deploy some of its reserve forces in Gaza. IDF spokesman says Hamas hinders humanitarian aid efforts, make 'monstrous use' of civilian population

Hanan Greenberg
Published: 01.11.09, 21:09 / Israel News

Operation Cast Lead's third phase has yet to be officially declared, but the military has reportedly begun incorporating some of its reserve forces in the fighting.

"We have begun embedding reserve forces – we will go in as far as we have to," IDF Spokesman Brigadier-General Avi Benayahu said Sunday.

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Benayahu further said that Hamas was plundering the humanitarian aid convoys and operating against the "humanitarian corridor" implemented daily. Hamas' use of civilian population, he said, has reached "monstrous proportions."

Sunday saw defense establishment officials brief the cabinet on the progress of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Both the IDF's head of intelligence and Shin Bet chief said there was ample reason to believe Hamas' capabilities have suffered a serious blow, but that it would probably still be able to mount harsh attacks on Israel.

"Hamas wants nothing more than to retaliate to the blow dealt to them and make up for the lack of operational achievements in the field… But on the other hand, they are in no hurry to wave a white flag," Director of Military Intelligence Major-General Amos Yadlin told the cabinet.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert assured the ministers that despite the UN Security Council's decision on the Gaza offensive, Israel was not ready to back down: "Israel is fast approaching the goals set for the operation, but we need patience, determination and courage if we want to achieve those goals in a way that would change the security realities in the south… We cannot miss what such an unprecedented national effort has achieved."

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