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Israel Strikes Gaza - Day 5

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12-31-08

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Israeli Tanks at Sunset outside of Gaza wait for invasion orders

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Israeli military action remains confined to air operations and air strikes have lessened in part because there are not many targets left to strike. Most key targets have been destroyed including key government buildings. Most air strike sorties now are those in which mobile rocket launching crews are targeted either before or after rocket launchings.

On Day 5, Israeli warplanes struck 3 Hamas government installations yet again as well as what is believed to be an Hamas “rocket” factory. As Israeli air operations slowed down, new IDF troop movements suggest that a ground operation is not far off on the timeline, now that the Air Force has achieved most if not all of its targeted objectives. For any further gains in removing Hamas military power, Israeli ground forces will have to take up the gauntlet and invade the Gaza Strip.

As Gaza and the world awaits Israel’s next move, the mainstream media in the United States has shown its NWO bias as it practically forced the idea that Israel would call for a cease-fire, when in reality, the Israeli Prime Minister made a point-blank statement of not only denial but a vigorously resounding call for further intensification of the war.

Even as the mainstream media continued its claim that Israel would call for a cease-fire, the UN Security Council met again to discuss the idea of a how to try and implement a cease-fire.

Even as world leaders called for a cessation of hostilities, the Hamas president hinted that his government was willing to consider a cease-fire but at the same time told Palestinians that Hamas was on the verge of a major victory, implying that a cease-fire would signal a Hamas victory. Such a statement would only encourage the Israelis to reject any cease-fire proposals. Israelis do NOT want to be labeled as “losers” in another war with terrorist neighbors.

As Day 5 wore on, an Israeli Cabinet meeting was held to listen to IDF campaign plans for a ground operation in Gaza. Israeli newspapers report that the Israeli Cabinet has approved the plans for a major ground operation that would be short-lived. In other words, it seems the IDF is planning a massive invasion that will be quick, short and sweet in achieving objectives and then pulling out of the Gaza Strip. The real question now is “when” will such an operation begin?

Here’s a round up of links to key stories of Day-5 coverage of the Gaza War.

Israel Rejects Cease-fire Pressures  - LINK

IDF: Major, Short Ground Operation Proposed – LINK

IAF Air Operation for Day 5 – LINK

Cease-Fire Efforts - Non-starter -- LINK

Hamas Claims Victory is Near -  LINK

Hamas Fires 45 More Rockest at Israel -- LINK

IDF Ready To Invade -- LINK

Saudis Blame Hamas, Call for Talks with Fatah - LINK

Gaza Death Toll 398 – Nearly 2,000 Injured  -- LINK

Israel Destroys Gaza Tunnels - LINK

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