Defense Minister Ehud Barak will meet with the cabinet on Wednesday to discuss the security situation in Gaza. While Barak is expected to oppose a widespread military operation in the area, his aides say he will propose defining all territory controlled by Hamas as an “enemy entity.”
Barak and senior IDF officials have agreed that the IDF should not begin a widespread operation in Gaza at this time due to tensions with Syria, according to Maariv. However, officials are expected to propose a series of steps that would serve as a deterrent for further rocket attacks. Among other things, Israel would significantly reduce the amount of electricity and gasoline supplied to Gaza, while continuing to supply water and enough electricity for hospitals and other crucial services. Crossing between Gaza and the Negev would be open only twice a week, and Hamas prisoners in Israel would lose many visitation privileges until Hamas terrorists in Gaza allow the Red Cross to visit kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.