In a major strategic shift that was reported at last Monday's
routine Cabinet meeting, Israel said that it will wage an all-
out, unrelenting war on Hamas and other terrorist groups,
including all members of its leadership without any special
immunity for political leaders. This change in policy has not
been noted in the general media.
Defense Minister Mofaz said at the weekly Cabinet meeting
that the murderous Hamas attack of 21 Av-August 19 in
Jerusalem, in which 21 people were murdered, had opened a new
and different chapter for Israel in its relationship with the
Palestinians. He explained that the attack had broken the
track that was supposed to give the diplomatic process a
chance. He noted the Palestinian Authority's passivity
regarding the war on terrorism and the infrastructures of
terror. Even after that horrible attack, Israel did not do
anything for two days in order to give the Palestinian
security forces a chance to respond. They did nothing within
that period, and only took a few steps that provided photo
opportunities the following week after Israel struck.
In response, the Israel security establishment has changed
its tactics and has adopted the following new strategy:
* An all-out war against Hamas and other terrorist elements,
including continuous strikes at all the organization's
leaders; * Increasing the pressure on terror forces in Judea
and Samaria; * Freezing the diplomatic process with the PA
and making it clear that Israel will neither return to it nor
move it forward unless it sees that the PA is taking tangible
steps to deal with the infrastructures of terror.
Defense Minister Mofaz said that since the terror attack in
Jerusalem, Israel cannot return to the previous "rules of the
game." He asserted that the international community, along
with the US, understands that there can be no going back to
the rules of the hudna, but that an aggressive policy
must adopted against Hamas for the sake of future regional
stability. Elimination of the terror criminals is not only a
goal for Israel but for anyone who wishes stability in the
area.
Since the attack in Jerusalem, there have been six targeted
eliminations of Hamas terrorists; operational activities in
Judea and Samaria have been stepped up; arrests of fugitives
have returned to their previous scale; and the security
establishment is preparing for the possibility of a security
escalation and renewed wave of terror against Israel.
With regard to the situation in the north and Mofaz said that
while Israel is maintaining its restraint, tensions are still
high and the IDF is prepared for all possibilities.
IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Yaalon noted that Hamas has
focused on attempts to launch Kassam rockets at Israeli
communities and perpetrate suicide attacks wherever possible.
He briefed ministers on actions that were approved by the
Ministerial Committee on National Security and which were
carried out by the IDF. He said that the IDF is prepared for
a limited ground action against Gaza if it is authorized.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon directed Chief-of-Staff Yaalon to
convey the Cabinet's gratitude and best wishes to the
security forces.
The Shin Bet security services has ordered security increased
around a number of Israeli government ministers, fearing that
Hamas might follow through on its threats to revenge Israel's
recent assassinations of a number of militants.
On Aug. 21, three Hamas members, including prominent leader
Ismail Abu Shanab, one of the founders of Hamas, and two
bodyguards, were killed in a helicopter missile strike. On
Aug. 24, four Palestinians, all Hamas activists, were killed
in Gaza City. On Aug. 26 a strike missed its target. On Aug.
28 one Hamas activist was killed in southern Gaza. On Aug. 30
two Palestinians, both members of Hamas, were killed. On
Sept. 1 a member of the Hamas military wing was killed by
Israeli missile strike.
On Monday September 2, Israel Air Force helicopters fired
four missiles at a car in Gaza City, killing two Hamas
operatives. Some 30 bystanders were injured.
One of the two, Hader Husari, 36, a leader in the military
wing of the organization, was killed outright. The second
militant, identified as Munsar Knita, died later of his
injuries. A third militant in the car, Nafaz Sabih, was in
serious condition.
Witnesses heard four explosions and saw F-16 warplanes flying
overhead. Palestinians say the planes are used to mask the
sound of approaching helicopters. The missiles hit a small
car as it was driving in a crowded side street in downtown
Gaza City. Nonetheless, only targeted militants were
killed.
The lengths to which the IDF goes to avoid civilian
casualties are evident in the fact that only three bystanders
were killed in the attacks, though dozens were injured. Most
of the attacks pinpointed cars traveling in regular traffic.
According to international law, the responsibility for such
deaths lies with the Hamas militants since they purposely
mingle with noncombatant population. Combatants must be
clearly identified and should stay away from
noncombatants.
On Monday a Palestinian Kassam rocket hit the southern part
of Ashkelon. The militants took advantage of the cease fire
to extend the range of their rockets from seven kilometers to
nine kilometers, putting Ashkelon within range. There is a
major power plant in Ashkelon. Prime Minister Sharon's ranch
is also now within Kassam range.
With siyata deShmaya the new policy will bring results
that will be beneficial for all peaceful residents of the
area.
