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Commentary;
Visualize a multinational Arab force deployed in the area which would serve to both disrupt and provide safe haven and shielding for rocket and mortar launching cells as well as deployments preparatory to attacks upon Israel; in short, exactly what is happening in South Lebanon, only worse.
Further, about the truce itself, consider this from senior military sources;
It was not clear, however, what would constitute a breakdown of the cease-fire, with one official saying Israel would have a tough time responding to occasional and sporadic rocket fire.
One complicated scenario for the IDF is what to do if two Palestinians, for example, are spotted setting up a Kassam launcher – to shoot the cell before they fire or after.
Below, you have reports related to the main report indicating that Israel will have zero-tolerance for any “truce” violations. It behooves all of us to hold the regime’s feet to the fire if they try to hide violation or abrogation of this “truce” or not take appropriate measures in response to such “truce” violations.
The only conclusion any thinking person can draw is that this absurd state of affairs can only further endanger the Jews. MB
Final Stage of Truce May Include Multinational Arab Force, by Herb Keinon and Yaakov Katz (Jerusalem Post)
“…The defense establishment was skeptical… in light… operational challenges it would pose for the IDF. One such challenge would be concerns over accidentally harming soldiers of the multinational force while pursuing terrorists inside the Gaza Strip.”
Excerpts;
The deployment of a multinational Arab force in Gaza as a final stage of the truce that was set to begin Thursday morning is being discussed at the highest levels of government.
Israel, the defense official said, was not completely opposed to the idea since it would ultimately bring Arab countries such as Egypt to “take responsibility” for events in Gaza.
The official said that while Israel was therefore in favor of the initiative, the defense establishment was skeptical that it would succeed in light of Hamas’s public opposition as well as the operational challenges it would pose for the IDF. One such challenge would be concerns over accidentally harming soldiers of the multinational force while pursuing terrorists inside the Gaza Strip.
After all these stages [of ceasefire] are implemented, the idea of an Arab force inside the Gaza Strip would be considered more seriously. At present it is still a “vague idea” that all officials involved realize “is not going to happen tomorrow,” and that would depend on Israeli approval.
One government source said few people really expected that the cease-fire would last that long, or would run through all the relevant stages necessary to even begin discussions about the introduction of foreign Arab forces into the Gaza Strip.
Livni: We Won’t Hesitate to Attack Hamas
Amos Gilad: Truce Dependent on Cessation of Kassams Fired From Gaza
Gilad Warns Truce is Over if One Rocket Is Fired
Hamas Television Presents: How to Kidnap an IDF Soldier
Previous Cease-Fires With Palestinians Paint a Bleak Picture
“We have no illusions,” Olmert said. “What is called ‘calm’ is fragile and could be short-lived. Hamas has not changed its skin. These are bloodthirsty and despicable terrorists who even today are doing all they can to harm Israeli civilians.”
“I want it to be clear that Hamas is the address in Gaza, and it will be responsible for any violation of the ‘quiet.’ If the firing and terrorist attacks continue, Israel will obligated to act to stop the threat to its citizens.”
Regarding captive Cpl. Gilad Schalit, whose picture Olmert said was in his office and whose eyes he looked into each day, the prime minister said his release “is an integral part of the understandings” regarding the cease-fire.
As the hours ticked down Wednesday to the cease-fire, Kassam rockets continued to pound the western Negev, and Hamas seemed determined to get in “last licks.” Close to 30 Kassam rockets struck the area, with one scoring a direct hit on a home in Sderot. Several people were treated for shock. The IDF fired missiles at Kassam rocket launchers in northern Gaza.
Senior military sources said the IDF was prepared to launch a military operation in the Gaza Strip with 24-hour’s notice if the truce fell apart. It was not clear, however, what would constitute a breakdown of the cease-fire, with one official saying Israel would have a tough time responding to occasional and sporadic rocket fire.
The IDF has yet to finalize the rules of engagement for the cease-fire but senior officers said that the military would not tolerate mortar and rocket attacks against Israel. One complicated scenario for the IDF is what to do if two Palestinians, for example, are spotted setting up a Kassam launcher – to shoot the cell before they fire or after.