Israel’s Ehud Barak says that today’s operations are only the beginning. Best quote from Barak: “There is a time for cease-fires and a time to fight, and now is the time to fight.” From the Jerusalem Post:
The IDF was beefing up forces around the Gaza Strip on Saturday evening in preparation of a possible ground operation following a massive air assault earlier in the day.
Barak says ‘now is the time to fight’; Livni explains Israel’s stance to Int’l community
Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi were holding consultations on the army’s next course of action.
Defense officials estimated that Hamas was capable of firing 150-200 rockets a day, adding that the operation could last for weeks.
Israel’s goals, officials added, was to end Hamas rocket fire, end smuggling of arms into Gaza and severely disrupt any Hamas military activity.
“There is a time for cease-fires and a time to fight, and now is the time to fight,” Barak said. “For months the IDF and security forces have been preparing for the operation that began today.”
Barak stated that Israel had not intended to allow Hamas to continue to fire rockets into Israel without responding.
The defense minister warned that tough times lay ahead. “I don’t want to deceive anyone,” he said. “It won’t be easy and won’t be quick. We must be resolute.” Rocket attacks were expected to continue and to increase during the operation, he added.
“For weeks Hamas and its satellite groups have rained [Israel] with rockets…and mortar shells. We did not intend to let this situation continue,” he said.
Israel has exercised restraint for years. Now they’ve begun to fight back. Expect weeks of blaming the Jews and blaming Bush. Of course, all will be rainbows and unicorns once Obama assumes office.
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