"The military operation would lead to the destruction of this [Hamas]
entity," Gilad told the Institute of Counter-Terrorism conference.on Sept.
8.
In January 2009, Hamas fired rockets into Israel with a range of about
40 kilometers. The rockets, identified as Chinese-origin weapons, struck
such major cities as Ashdod and Beersheba as well as nearby air force bases.
"They focus therefore on acquiring more weapons and preparing themselves
for another round," Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Yaalon told the
conference. "They do this while taking advantage of the insufficient
interference of regional and international elements that are supposed to
prevent that from happening."
Officials said Hamas has set a priority for the acquisition of Fajr-4,
with a range of 70 kilometers and deployed by the Iranian-sponsored
Hizbullah during its war with Israel in 2006. But they said Hamas has been
hampered by enhanced Egyptian efforts to block the flow of weapons smuggled
through the Sinai Peninsula to the Gaza Strip.
In his address, Gilad said Egyptian efforts have not been sufficient to
stop the smuggling of weapons and explosives to the Hamas regime. He did not
elaborate.
"Egypt must close entirely the border with the Gaza Strip," Gilad said.
"To the best of my knowledge, I am convinced they can do this."
