Peace on Earth? Israel poised to invade Gaza as rocket strikes continue
Friday, December 19, 2008 Free Headline Alerts
WASHINGTON — Israel's military on Dec. 18 launched its most intense air strikes against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in six months. The military said the targets included a missile arsenal and production facility in the Jabalya refugee camp and Khan Yunis.
Meanwhile, the Washington Institute reported Israel's military appears to have achieved readiness for a massive invasion of the Gaza Strip.
The report said Israel's military appears more capable than in its war with Hizbullah in 2006. The institute said in a report that the Israel Army has enhanced counter-insurgency and intelligence skills required to fight the Hamas regime and its militia allies in the Gaza Strip.
"The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] appears better prepared for action than it did in summer 2006," the report by former U.S. Defense Department analyst Jeffrey White said. "It has new means and methods for irregular opponents, including improved equipment, tactics, and organization for urban combat. It has enhanced intelligence capabilities and counter-tunneling equipment and units, and it has had plenty of time to plan and prepare."
Titled "IDF Military Action in Gaza: Options and Implications," the report said the military was leaning toward a takeover of the Gaza Strip. White, who recently toured Israeli military facilities, said this was the most effective way to end the daily missile and rocket strikes against the Jewish state, although the operation would engender U.S. and international criticism.
"In all likelihood, the IDF's performance in Gaza would substantially exceed what was seen in Lebanon," the report said. "Finding a workable exit strategy that does not reverse its military gains, however, could be more difficult to attain."
The report envisioned military plans for a massive invasion of the Gaza Strip. The option called for a multiple brigade- or division-level operation that would capture the entire 330-kilometer strip and destroy the Hamas regime.
"This could involve prolonged occupation of at least some territory, and extensive efforts to rake out terrorist organizations and their infrastructure," the report said. "Although the most challenging from a military standpoint, this kind of operation would offer the best prospects for long-term security improvements in southern Israel. Of course, this option would entail the greatest political complications and risks, and could lead to an escalation of military tensions with Hizbullah in Lebanon. It would also require a clearly defined exit strategy."
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has withheld approval of any invasion of the Gaza Strip. The report said Barak and senior commanders in the military appear to be concerned that the military operation would not be successful.
"A successful operation, one that achieves its goals and provides an effective exit strategy, would be politically advantageous for the Israeli government and reduce the diplomatic fallout," the report said.
"Failure, however, would be a political disaster for Israel and all those supporting the peace process, much to the advantage of Israel's enemies -- Hamas, Hizballah, Syria, and Iran. These concerns explain why some in the IDF and Defense Minister Ehud Barak have argued for caution."