Israel blames Iran for Gaza terror

Israel points finger at Islamic Republic for arming, subsidizing Gaza terror organizations

Itamar Eichner|Published: 11.19.12 , 18:27

For the first time since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel has placed the blame on Iran for all aspects of weapons' smuggling to the Gaza Strip.

The Prime Minister's Office's public relations unit said that, "Gaza is Iran's advanced post."

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Israel claims that Iran is the source of the Fajr-5 missiles fired at the Israeli hinterland and of most of the weapons used by Gaza's terror organizations.

"Iran has been training and instructing many of them and providing the terror organizations with millions of dollars in subsidies," the statement said.

According to the statement, Israel prefers achieving its military goals without sending in ground troops, but if the only way to defend Israeli citizens is through a ground operation – so be it.

Meanwhile, the IDF continues its airstrikes in Gaza and tens of thousands of reservists are prepared to begin extensive ground activity.

Thus far, 1,200 targets have been hit, as opposed to the 150 attacked during Operation Cast Lead, four years ago.

The IAF has destroyed a significant portion of Hamas' long-range Fajr-5 arsenal and its ability to fire medium and short-range missiles. The IDF has also disrupted the firng of rockets at Israel – most of which have fallen in open areas and some within the Strip itself.

The army has seriously damaged Hamas' Gazan headquarters, including the office of Hamas Prime Minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh, the Ministry of Interior, police stations and training camps.

Israel also claims that "IDF activities are being carried out in the most precise and surgical manner possible; thereby reducing the number of civilian casualties. This is thanks to accurate intelligence and armament. Despite the fact that almost all of the targets are in populated areas, the number of civilian casualties is relatively low.

To maintain this, the IDF is also taking different technical measures to warn the Gazan population: Throwing leaflets from planes, making phone calls, sending text message and other techniques.