Posted on 09/06/2005 5:36:41 PM PDT by SJackson
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz warned that Judea and Samaria are now the main targets of Arab terrorists. He reversed his previously optimistic view that terror would decrease after the expulsion.
Judea and Samaria "will become the main theater in the struggle against terrorism" after the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza is completed, Mofaz said in a conversation with IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz. Yair Golan, commander of forces in Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yesha) informed Halutz and Mofaz that the threat of terrorist attacks on Jewish communities in the area is increasing.
Before the expulsion of Jews from the Gaza and northern Samaria regions, virtually every senior military officer said that Arab terrorists have been smuggling and manufacturing more sophisticated weapons throughout Israel.
Mofaz took the opposite view last month on the eve of the expulsion of Jewish residents from the Gaza and northern Samaria regions, which is to be followed by handing over the area to the Palestinian Authority (PA) later this month.
Israel's security situation would improve and Arab terror would decrease after the expulsion, the Defense Minister said on Channel One's "Politics" program three weeks ago. When confronted with statements by IDF intelligence chief Major-General Aharon Farkash that a new wave of terror would follow the expulsion and planned withdrawal of IDF troops, Mofaz replied that Israel would retaliate strongly as soon as terrorists shoot rockets at Israel.
"This time it will be different," Mofaz told the program host, who said Israel has made similar threats in the past. However, Israel has not struck back after several recent mortar shell and Kassam rocket attacks since the beginning of the expulsion. Arab terrorists Tuesday evening fired two rockets near Kibbutz Yad Mordechai in the southwestern Negev, south of Ashkelon. No damage or injuries were reported.
Mofaz on Tuesday instructed the IDF to strictly guard crossings in and out of Judea and Samaria.
"Show no pity for anyone, even if it causes traffic holdups and anger. The security of citizens is paramount to everything else," he told commanders.
In Gaza, five Arabs were killed during an accident at an explosions laboratory on Monday. The PA blamed Hamas terrorists for continuing to prepare for attacks against Israel. Hamas quoted eyewitnesses who charged that Israel destroyed the laboratory with a missile, an accusation Israel categorically denied.
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Sharon is a fool.
Mofaz is a fool.
Olmert is a fool.
Fools leading Israel, for now.
Sharon is a fool.
Mofaz is a fool.
Olmert is a fool.
Fools leading Israel, for now.
Wow, what a surprise.
Showing weakness with the Arabs didn't work?
I'm shocked!!
This, of course, is a setup for further withdrawals from Judea and Samaria.
The West needs better leaders.
Can't believe the right in Israel is acting this foolish.
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