Defense Minister Ehud Barak once again buckled under pressure, ordering a limited resumption of fuel delivery to the PA (Palestinian Authority) on Tuesday despite ongoing rocket and mortar shell attacks into southern Israel.

Continued complaints of blackouts and electrical interruptions in Hamas-controlled Gaza seem to have compelled Barak to back down and permit the delivery of fuel into Gaza. Barak did state the remainder of Gaza crossings would however remain closed.

In a related matter, the Security Cabinet on Tuesday will discuss the possibility of implementing an expulsion policy for Arabs in northern Gaza. The policy would result in area residents receiving advanced warned to leave the area after which IDF artillery would bombard the village, rendering it inhabitable in the hope of bringing an end to rocket attacks.

A poll conducted by the Geocartographia Institute reveals that 80% of the Israeli public feels the government has failed in its dealings to obtain the release of Gilad Shalit. The poll also shows that over 80% of Israeli support harsher prison conditions for Hamas terrorists until such time Shalit is returned home.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)