Don't be so wimpy. It's time for a big visit from an F-15I with a 2,000 pound JDAM or Laser Guided bomb. (Picture is USAF F-15E, quite similar to the Israeli F-15I)
Posted on 04/20/2006 7:19:06 PM PDT by blam
Hamas risks Israeli action by making 'rocket man' security chief
By Tim Butcher in Jerusalem
(Filed: 21/04/2006)
Hamas defied the international community and risked provoking a violent response from Israel yesterday when it appointed a notorious militant as Palestinian security chief.
Jamal Abu Samhadana, who is responsible for a continuing wave of rocket attacks on Israel, will occupy a new position overseeing the dozen or so police forces and security services operating in the Palestinian territories.
The Islamic organisation stated its determination to bring order to "end the security chaos", but it is hard to imagine a move more inflammatory to Israeli eyes.
Israeli warships, artillery and attack helicopters routinely pound the areas of Gaza from where improvised Qassam rockets are fired, but Samhadana's supporters in the Popular Resistance Committees keep popping up to fire back.
His elevation could pave the way for the first major military confrontation between the Hamas-led Palestinian government and Israel, if an attempt is made on Samhadana's life. Israel has twice tried to assassinate him.
His appointment was announced by Said Siam, the new Hamas interior minister, suggesting no willingness by Hamas to heed international calls to soften its stance.
America and the European Union have cut off vital financial aid because of Hamas's refusal to renounce violence and recognise Israel.
The director general of the interior ministry, the official normally responsible for running the Palestinian security apparatus, is a close ally and appointee of Mahmoud Abbas, the moderate Palestinian president and leader of the Fatah party defeated by Hamas at the polls.
Mr Samhadana's appointment was seen as a clear attempt by the new Hamas cabinet to wrest control of the security forces.
Mr Siam also announced that his ministry would soon be raising another paramilitary force made up of volunteers invited from the many Palestinian armed groups.
He said: "We want to end the security chaos and illegal activity in the Palestinian territories at all cost."
• It emerged last night that an aid worker was interrogated for 11 days by the Israelis on suspicion of breaking strict rules outlawing support for the Hamas-led government.
It was the first arrest since Hamas came to power and has shocked the large aid community.
The American - who was eventually released without charge - claimed his Israeli interrogators suggested his humanitarian work was helping Hamas and he was thereby supporting terrorists.
The US government this week sought to reassure aid workers by issuing licences for some activity to continue even if it provides resources, such as through tax revenue, to the Palestinian government.
News of the arrest will concern aid workers that even if the US authorities have clarified the rules, the Israelis are less flexible.
Sounds like it's time for a little visit from a UAV with a Hellfire...
Don't be so wimpy. It's time for a big visit from an F-15I with a 2,000 pound JDAM or Laser Guided bomb. (Picture is USAF F-15E, quite similar to the Israeli F-15I)
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