Free Republic

Former military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin rejected criticism over a lack of deterrence against Hamas on Saturday, insisting that the only reason rockets have not reached Be'er Sheva and Tel Aviv is due to the threat of IAF retaliation. "It is not true that there is no deterrence," Yadlin stated. "Hamas can fire hundreds of rockets at Tel Aviv and Beersheba, and does not actually do so." Despite this, Yadlin admitted that another operation in Gaza is likely on the horizon. "I have no doubt we are looking at another round with Hamas," admitted Yadlin. "It will be very difficult."...

The report described the launch of an "improved Sejil 2 missile" as successful and said the missile had a range greater than 1,250 miles — putting Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf within reach. The launch came after Israel's military intelligence chief said Tuesday that Iran is close to a "technological breakthrough" that would enable it to build nuclear weapons. Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin said Iran has enough nuclear material for a warhead and is close to being able to build one. He didn't specify the new technology or say when he expects Iran to reach such a capability....

Israel's military intelligence chief warned Sunday that Israel is on the brink of a war that could break out as early as this summer. Major General Amos Yadlin told the Israeli Cabinet that several factors were moving the nation toward war. According to the Jerusalem Post, Yadlin cited Iran, Hizbullah, Hamas, World Jihad, and Syria who the paper quoted Yadlin as saying "are all actively working against Israel, and may force a conflict as early as this summer." "Any one of these authorities can bring about a deterioration in the situation this summer," Yadlin said...