The IDF has begun streaming in forces to and around the Gaza area, in preparation for what could be Israel's largest anti-terror offensive since Operation Defensive Shield almost two years ago. The goal, as defined in a meeting yesterday with Prime Minister Sharon, Defense Minister Mofaz, Chief of Staff Yaalon, and GSS Chief Dichter, is to eradicate the Hamas leadership in Gaza. "We will not leave Gaza with our tail between our legs, like in Lebanon," it was said. Arutz-7's Yosef Meiri notes that the withdrawal plan has still not even been discussed with the Cabinet or Knesset - let alone been presented for their approval.
The name of the current Gaza offensive: "Continuing Story." IDF forces are currently deployed in Nachal Oz in the western Negev, the Kisufim and Erez Crossings into Gaza, and along the Israeli-Egyptian border. Shinui Party ministers in the government forum had recommended that only air strikes be carried out, but the majority opinion was that the operation be all-encompassing and include ground actions as well. No decision was made on the expulsion of Arafat, who is still one of the main string-pullers behind Palestinian terrorism.
Two Islamic Jihad terrorists were killed last night as they were spotted placing bombs designed to explode upon IDF forces entering Gaza. Efforts against the arms-smuggling tunnels in the Rafiach area, along the Israeli-Egyptian border, continue as well. Israel Air Force helicopters fired a missile this morning at a group of armed terrorists who were spotted laying mines aimed at thwarting the IDF operation. Two people were killed in the strike - both teenaged boys, according to Arab sources - and seven others were hurt.
A terrorist leader escaped an IAF air strike late last night, though his two bodyguards were killed. Arab snipers have taken up positions in Gaza, saying that this will be a "fight to the finish."
Border Guard Police Commander David Tzur reported today that special undercover and commando forces had thwarted no fewer than five terror attacks in Jerusalem over the past two weeks. Dozens of other would-be bombings and suicide attacks were stopped throughout the country in the past several weeks. "Over the past month," Commander Tzur said, "we have seen an increased effort among the terrorists to step up their attacks."
The name of the current Gaza offensive: "Continuing Story." IDF forces are currently deployed in Nachal Oz in the western Negev, the Kisufim and Erez Crossings into Gaza, and along the Israeli-Egyptian border. Shinui Party ministers in the government forum had recommended that only air strikes be carried out, but the majority opinion was that the operation be all-encompassing and include ground actions as well. No decision was made on the expulsion of Arafat, who is still one of the main string-pullers behind Palestinian terrorism.
Two Islamic Jihad terrorists were killed last night as they were spotted placing bombs designed to explode upon IDF forces entering Gaza. Efforts against the arms-smuggling tunnels in the Rafiach area, along the Israeli-Egyptian border, continue as well. Israel Air Force helicopters fired a missile this morning at a group of armed terrorists who were spotted laying mines aimed at thwarting the IDF operation. Two people were killed in the strike - both teenaged boys, according to Arab sources - and seven others were hurt.
A terrorist leader escaped an IAF air strike late last night, though his two bodyguards were killed. Arab snipers have taken up positions in Gaza, saying that this will be a "fight to the finish."
Border Guard Police Commander David Tzur reported today that special undercover and commando forces had thwarted no fewer than five terror attacks in Jerusalem over the past two weeks. Dozens of other would-be bombings and suicide attacks were stopped throughout the country in the past several weeks. "Over the past month," Commander Tzur said, "we have seen an increased effort among the terrorists to step up their attacks."