IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz on Tuesday 18 Cheshvan, briefed members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee, commenting on a number of fronts. The military commander stated that the quid-pro-quo that has been the case over recent months, rocket attacks and IAF responses cannot continue, making it very clear that a major military operation is in place, interpreted to mean an Operation Cast Lead 2. The senior military commander explained that while Israeli’s deterrence against Hamas remains high, the current situation cannot be permitted to continue, adding for southern region residents, day-to-day life has been disrupted and there is the constant fear of an attack.

Turning to the Egyptian front, Gantz explained that while in the past terrorists used the Philadelphia Route and smuggling tunnels to make their way to Israel, via Gaza to perpetrate attacks, today they are doing so directly from Sinai. The IDF commander explained that the ongoing work on the border fence is moving ahead at a pace of 80 meters a day, but for the time being, the open border presents serious security challenges.

On the subject of Syria and Iran, he stated that he is quite concerned, but added that he is also concerned with realities at home, speaking of planned cuts in military spending, warning that any budgetary cuts resulting in a reduction in IDF manpower could have serious results.

Gantz also spoke of Friday’s mistaken fire incident in which soldiers manning a checkpoint in the Southern Hebron Hills area killed Rabbi Dan Martzbach, a 55-year-old veteran resident of Otniel, leaving two women wounded from gunfire. He stated the incident was entirely the IDF’s fault, and the soldier who opened fire did so without justification.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)