Peretz to IDF: Prepare to attack Qassam sources

Ynet ^ | June 11 2006 | Efrat Weiss

[Alama]

Defense Minister Amir Peretz instructed the IDF and security officials to complete necessary preparations to target all elements involved in Qassam attacks – from the decision-makers to the launchers in the field. With that, Peretz rejected the IDF’s suggestion to intensify the offensive against Hamas immediately.

Following a weekend of non-stop Qassam attacks on the western Negev, which also continued throughout the day Sunday, the defense minister called an emergency security consultation in his Tel Aviv office Sunday evening. Protest for Security Sderot declares hunger strike / Shmulik Hadad Residents of Qassam-battered town gather opposite home of Defense Minister Amir Peretz to demand security; since Sunday morning 26 rockets hit Sderot area, one of which critically wounded elderly man. Peretz's wife to protesters: I understand your frustration; I too am a victim of this reality

The meeting was attended by the establishment’s top brass including IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz. Military officials presented Peretz with a few game plans for Israeli responses to the incessant rocket barrages. Among those proposed was a plan to immediately intensify operations targeting Hamas, but Peretz opted not to adopt the suggestion.

During the consultation, Peretz said, “Over the last few days there has been a severe escalation in violence in the Strip, in which Hamas is taking a central and active part in firing rockets towards Gaza perimeter communities. As a result an Israeli citizen was severely wounded and a number of civilians were lightly wounded. An elementary school took a direct hit, and a rocket landed next to a kindergarten.”

Hamas man escapes IDF attack

Throughout the day Sunday, over 25 rockets hit Sderot and the surrounding communities. Over the weekly an additional 19 Qassams were fired at the western Negev.

At the conclusion of the consultation, Peretz instructed the IDF and security officials to complete all preparations necessary to take out all those involved in rocket fire if the attacks do not stop.

Since Sunday afternoon the IDF resumed targeting Hamas members in its reprisal for the Qassam barrages. In the early evening hours, a Hamas operative managed to escape a targeted assassination attempt by the Israeli Air Force.

[Alama]

Wait for the muslim whining to start...

[Dialup Llama]

In the early evening hours, a Hamas operative managed to escape a targeted assassination attempt by the Israeli Air Force.

Did he see the white light during his near death experience?

[tomzz]

My suggestion to the people running Israel: inform the slammite world that they have 30 days in which to find a place to put the "palestinians" and that the place in question needs to be a minimum of 500 miles from Israel, and that any found closer than that 31 days hence would be killed. They found room for 60 million pakistanis, they can find room for two million or however many philistines or whatever they call themselves there might be.

No other nation would tolerate the "palestinians" anywhere near them.

[Dialup Llama]

No other nation would tolerate an attack of 34 rockets and yet decline the option of intensifying the counter attack. Why? Don't want to break the cease fire?

[Diogenesis]

"At the conclusion of the consultation, Peretz instructed the IDF and security officials
to complete all preparations necessary to take out all those involved in rocket fire if the attacks do not stop."

..... if the attacks do not stop? This is proof that Olmert is on drugs.

The terrorists in Terristan will NEVER stop until his daughter
is raped and beheaded along with everyone else in Israel.

[familyop]

"Peretz to IDF: Prepare to attack Qassam sources"

Good. Take 'em out.

[RonHolzwarth]

Why don't they get DRASTIC and just shut off the electricity?

It's hard for me to believe that Israel is supplying electricity for the Gaza Strip and being fired upon from there, at the same time.

Yet, it's a FACT!

[monkeyshine]

Why? Several reasons:

1) Israeli PM Olmert is visiting Europe, and he doesn't want an IDF offensive to detract from the purpose. In fact, since Olmert is pleading with the UK, France and others to accept the realignment plan it helps to show that Israel is under barrage yet remains restrained and patient.

2) Defense Minister Peretz declined to start the offensive now, but OK'ed the preparation of plans. This could mean he didn't like some answers given about how the operation would be conducted, etc. If IDF is going to go on a more severe offensive they will not want the bad press if the IDF is too heavy handed. They need to be precise if they are going to take out a couple dozen Hamas leaders and installations that make missiles and avoid civilians casualties.

Yes, PC rules - moreso for Israel because it will always be the target of criticism beyond that what others would receive for similar actions.

There may be other reasons too... but it seems he just deferred the green light for a week. If the Hamas continues they'll probably get whacked next week.