Despite attacks, large-scale Gaza operation not expected
Apr. 24, 2007 14:45 | Updated Apr. 24, 2007 22:52 Despite attacks, large-scale Gaza operation not expected By YAAKOV KATZ The IDF will not embark on a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip despite the rocket and mortar attacks launched on Israel on Independence Day, security and government officials estimated on Tuesday evening.Instead, the IDF was expected to carry out a targeted response.
According to the officials, while a special cabinet meeting was not expected in the wake of the attacks, there would be "progression" talks between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, senior ministers and security officials.
Earlier Tuesday, Defense Minister Amir Peretz said that "the Palestinian unity government would not be an insurance policy for any official."
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas called on Israel to show restraint in order to avoid a "deterioration" in the region."
Abbas was speaking in Rome after meeting with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.
Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said that Rome was concerned about the renewed rocket attacks and called on Abbas to adhere to the principles set by International Quartet, especially the recognition of Israel.
The barrages of Kassam rockets and mortar shells Hamas fired at Israel on Tuesday morning were meant to provide cover for and distract attention from an attempted infiltration by a terror cell, whose members intended to kidnap IDF soldiers deployed along the Gaza border, IDF sources reported Tuesday afternoon.
The sources said that the army's heightened alert, as well as a quick response by ground troops and IAF helicopters that had been hovering over Gaza, foiled the attempt. According to preliminary reports, no cell managed to cross into Israel.
The IDF has been on high alert in recent weeks, ever since receiving intelligence that Hamas was planning to abduct soldiers in a raid similar to the one near Kerem Shalom in June, 2006 in which Cpl. Gilad Schalit was captured.
According to an IDF source, Tuesday's attack was "Hizbullah-style," in that the group launched rockets to distract the troops on patrol and provide cover for the cell members' movements.
Despite being attacked in a way that would mean war between any other groups of people in the world, Israel will once again do nothing.
So instead of pride for my country this Independence day I feel sorrow and shame.
Sorrow that our leaders have lost their vision and courage and shame at the fact that Israel has become the neutered lap dog of the U.S. State Department.
