Israeli army ordered to 'wipe out' Hamas

ABC News ^ | June 12, 2003 | None stated

[CobaltBlue]

Israeli army radio reports the army has been ordered to 'completely wipe out' the Palestinian Islamic militant group Hamas, a day after a suicide bomber killed 16 people on a Jerusalem bus.

Israeli helicopters killed nine Palestinians in strikes on militants after the bombing, leaving the US-backed peace "roadmap" in tatters.

Israeli Internal Security Minister Tzachi Hanegbi says no Hamas leader is safe.

The army order, which directs the military to use "whatever means necessary," was issued following a meeting of Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz with the army's top command shortly after the attack.

It is directed not only at the infrastructure of the organisation, but at its leadership, with everyone, "from the lowliest member to Sheikh Ahmad Yassin," a Hamas founder and its spiritual guide, as a legitimate target.

The latest round of killings and retaliations began on Tuesday, when Israeli helicopter gunships fired missiles at the car of Hamas' political leader, Abdul Aziz Rantissi, in a failed bid to kill him.

Mr Rantissi, who was lightly wounded in that attack, promised bloody revenge, which led to the bombing in Jerusalem.

It was claimed by Hamas' armed wing, the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades.

The Israeli Cabinet has met to consider how to respond to that attack, amid reports that ministers will again raise the question of expelling Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from the territories.

[phasma proeliator]

[Coop]

Why would Sharon promise Bush that Arafat would not be killed?

Gee, let me ask him. Ariel? Oh, Ariel...

[cryptical]

It's a good first step. Hezbollah next, then the Al whatever Martyrs Brigade. The US position that Israel has to turn the other cheek hasn't worked in the last couple of decades, and it's high time that something else is tried (IMO).

[Walkingfeather]

Do you remember Clancey's " Without Remorse" Where Clark put a drug dealer in a hyperbaric chamber and blew out all his joints... didn't kill him but left him in a world of hurt... maybe something along these long suffering lines.

[glennaro]

There can be no peace until the Palestinian terrorist organizations are destroyed. Israel cannot negotiate with an enemy who will only agree to the destruction of the Israeli state.

[Kenton]

Hamas has a lot of tentacles. I wonder what will become of Hamas members in other countries?

[phasma proeliator]

[bray]

Good Riddance H-ebola! Shalom

Pray for GW and Our Troops

[weikel]

Wohoo the gloves are off.

[OXENinFLA]

Cry Havoc, and let slip the dogs of war!

[RightWhale]

The army order, which directs the military to use "whatever means necessary," was issued following a meeting of Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz with the army's top command shortly after the attack.

Shouldn't take long. The name and home address of every one of them, both regular and crony is known. It's going to get noisy in Gaza.

[ezo4]

Looks likes war is on the brink over there... acording to fox news right now. Hamas is saying they will be attacting in force - Shep Smith

[bruin66]

The latest round of killings and retaliations began on Tuesday, when Israeli helicopter gunships fired missiles at the car of Hamas' political leader, Abdul Aziz Rantissi, in a failed bid to kill him.

Didn't that attack follow a homicide bombing?

[clamper1797]

If we support Israel in this endeavor it will make the Islam-nazis hate us .... oh never mind

[Kenton]

I pray they're quick and successful in this endeavor, and that innocent casualties are at a minimum.

I understand Hamas has put out a warning for all foreigners to leave Israel or risk death in upcoming atrocities.

Maybe the IDF should put out a similar warning to the "innocent" Palistinians - To stay far, far away from the Hamas guys. Don't even drive near them.

[dufekin]

well, this is the next step in the roadmap. The elimination of terrorists. Nice to see the roadmap working.

[aimhigh]

An honest question. What took them so long???

Every time they get close to any victory, the US government calls for them to stop short.

[Freebird Forever]

How would one say "Let's Roll" in Hebrew?

[headsonpikes]

"Nice to see the roadmap working."

They can use what's left of Hamas to fill any potholes.

[Dubh_Ghlase]

You don't tug on Superman's cape,
You don't spit into the wind,
You don't pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger,
And you don't mess around with Jim!

Sounds like "Jim" just opened up a big can of Whup-@ss!!!