Analysis: Stage three looms of Operation Protective Edge
The Jerusalem Post - By YAAKOV LAPPIN - 07/25/2014 06:11
Following the entry of ground forces, next up in the IDF's campaign in Gaza, if the military should launch it, will be the systematic destruction of Hamass military assets across the Strip.
Givati brigade in Gaza Photo: IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE
From the moment it was launched, Operation Protective Edge has been a gradual effort, designed to extinguish Palestinian mass rocket attacks through a carefully planned deterioration of Hamass strategic position.
The first phase intensive air strikes on rocket launchers, weapons-production centers and command-and-control centers was followed by the second stage, the entry of ground forces and their highly complex and challenging task of destroying Hamass tunnel network.
Hamas has had opportunities before each stage to opt for a truce and signal to Israel that it is serious about enforcing a calm border. In other words, Hamas has been given multiple chances to tell Israel that it has been deterred and seeks a cease-fire.
But Hamass leadership structure Khaled Mashaal in Qatar and Ismail Haniyeh (head of the political wing) and Muhammad Deif (commander of the military wing) in Gaza have taken the decision to continue to confront Israel.
By doing so, the leaders are inviting Israel to launch the third phase of the offensive, and to lose any control of when Israel ceases its large-scale military offensive against Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Hamas has lost more than half of its rocket arsenal through Israeli air strikes and depletion from its own use. Should Israel launch its third phase, deterrence will become a secondary goal, and the IDF will be instructed to attack and destroy Hamass military assets all over Gaza.
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Analysis: Stage three looms of Operation Protective Edge | JPost | Israel News
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Well, waddya know... looks like the IDF may finish the job this time, after all.
Good for them... it's about time.
If they go for it...
Very best of luck to the brave young people of the IDF, in exterminating Hamas scum.
Good hunting!