Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Netanyahu Warns that the Battle with Hamas will likely Drag On

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the battle with Hamas is likely to drag on into September and signaled that Israel plans to expand air attacks in civilian areas, an indication that the country is prepared for a war of attrition.
Speaking hours after the funeral for an Israeli child killed in a mortar attack on Friday, the Israeli leader called on Gazans to immediately evacuate areas with militant activity nearby.
"Every place like this is a target for us," Mr. Netanyahu told the weekly cabinet meeting.
Over the weekend, Israel's military sent leaflets and text messages to Palestinians in the territory warning them to distance themselves from militants.
Israel's government has come under increasing criticism for its inability to stop rocket and mortar fire from Gaza despite a seven-week offensive that included a ground invasion.
Cease-fire talks in Egypt were suspended after a truce collapsed last week, and both sides have vowed to keep fighting until the other concedes. The prime minister said Sunday hostilities with Hamas militants might not end by the Sept. 1 opening of Israel's school year.
Despite Mr. Netanyahu's call for patience, Israelis, however, have come to expect short wars, analysts say.
"All Israeli decision makers detest a war of attrition. They would much prefer a clear decision or a compromise agreement. But if the terms aren't available, there's no choice," said Gerald Steinberg, a professor of political science at Bar Ilan University.
Mr. Steinberg said that Hamas, which has a "jihadist" and "revolutionary" agenda, is willing to pay a higher price to reach its goals.
Mr. Netanyahu's remarks come a day after Israel's air force flattened a 12-floor apartment building in Gaza City, injuring 17 people.
It was the largest residential complex to be destroyed in the battle so far.
The army said the high-rise building was serving as one of the main command centers for Hamas and that it fired a warning shot to let residents know that it planned to attack.
Read the rest of the story HERE and view a related video below:



If you like what you see, please "Like" us on Facebook either here or here. Please follow us on Twitter here.


No comments: