There is a dispute among members of the Security Cabinet regarding a possible major IDF ground forces operation in Gaza. Reports from the forum state the IDF is opposed to such an operation at present. Intelligence community leaders are releasing statements that “Hamas is uninterested in an escalation in warfare at present”. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in recent days announced “quiet will be met with quiet”, sending a message to Hamas to stop the rocket fire.

Last night, the eve of 4 Tammuz 5774, a number of mortar rockets were fired into the Eshkol and Shar HaNegev Regional Councils. B’chasdei Hashem there were no fatalities or injuries. The IDF did not respond. In total, there were 15 rockets and mortars fired into southern Israel on Tuesday.

IDF officials are recommending to the members of the security forum that any retaliatory action to the kidnapping murders of the three youths HY”D should be directed at Hamas in Yehuda and Shomron, for Hamas in Gaza did not have anything to do with the act of terrorism. The military experts explained to the cabinet members on Tuesday, 3 Tammuz that such an operation requires preparation for the IDF to retake Gaza. In addition, Hamas in Gaza is at an all time low in the eyes of the international community and now is the time to capitalize on that reality.

The Security Cabinet meeting on Tuesday night following the levaya of the three victims of terror was reportedly a long and stormy session.

Right-wing ministers, namely from Bayit Yehudi, are calling for a more aggressive response while the left-wing members of the forum object. Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon is quoted calling for massive construction in Gush Etzion and possibly the establishment of a new yishuv in memory of the kedoshim.

The PA (Palestinian Authority) media reports that Egypt is involved, seeking to persuade Israel not to launch a major military offensive in Gaza.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)