[spikeytx86]

IMO, The Israelis were going to pound Hamas into oblivion until Obama takes office. They were buying themselves enough time to hopefully make it through an Obama Administration as well as they can.

[KingofZion]

100% correct. The Israelis started ops knowing that everything would have to be wrapped up by Jan 20. They knew Bush and Condi would not intervene. Also works well as it removes a headache for incoming admin, thus earning Barak’s gratitude.

A win-win situation for everyone except Hamas and the people who assisted them with rocket storage, etc.