Defense sources: Hamas intends to halt fire terrorism
Officials say they believe Hamas intends to halt kite and balloon terror amid pressure applied by Egypt and the UN; 'The next 48 hours are crucial', says source.
While on the surface Hamas continues to deny its intention to stop the fire terrorism, heavy pressure is being applied on the terror organization behind the scenes, both by Egypt and the UN envoy to the Middle East Nickolay Mladenov, who claim the incendiary balloons and kites will provoke Israel into launching a war in Gaza.
According to defense establishment officials, "the next 48 hours will be crucial to curbing the phenomenon after which we know where this is headed."
When asked whether Israel intends to launch a war in Gaza amid the rising tensions caused by the incendiary balloons, one official replied that "decisions will be reached on a case-by-case basis. (Israel's) security policy cannot be based on media or political pressure, otherwise it will be the end," the official explained.
"We have to act wisely and powerfully. We aim to reach a positive outcome within 48 hours," the official concluded.
The source also stressed that the reduction in the number of trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing does not include trucks containing humanitarian aid.
"We've curbed the transfers through the crossing which include agricultural produce and textile," the source emphasized.
"This is a move which harms the strongest and richest residents of Gaza who are able to influence and apply pressure on Hamas. It's their weak spot," they opined.
Over the past few days the number of fires breaking out across the Gaza border communities has significantly decreased in comparison to the past weeks. However, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) continued firing at kite and balloons launching cells.
Last Sunday Netanyahu convened the Security Cabinet following the violent flare-up that took place between Israel and Hamas over the weekend.
The prime minister, who visited Sderot this week for the first time since the fire terrorism began, said he had instructed "the IDF to eradicate and stop the incendiary kite and balloon terrorism."
"We are determined to win. It entails an exchange of blows, it's not over yet," Netanyahu said after meeting with southern local authorities' heads.
"To us, there is no such thing as a ceasefire that excludes the incendiary kites and balloons. No such thing. I'll say this for the seventh time and I hope it gets through, but if it's not understood by my words, it will be understood by the IDF's actions," the premier concluded.
