ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) Director Yoram Cohen told senior officials on Wednesday, that if Israel does not launch a military strike against Gaza at this time, Hamas will continue to fortify itself and the next conflict will be all the more difficult and costly.

In his first appearance before the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee Cohen explained the dilemma. He stated that the problem is not launching a military offensive against terrorists in Gaza, but concerns surround the response and possibly having to order too many citizens into bomb shelters.

He continued to explain that since Israel left Gaza in 2005 it has become a large military base and today, Hamas has 8,000 rockets with capabilities of striking targets from 4-40 kilometers (2.4-24 miles). He confirms there are also rumors of a limited number of even longer range rockets.

Cohen reported that backed by Hizbullah knowhow and funding, Hamas has established a military industry in Gaza and rockets are being manufactured locally. This industry is focusing on building rockets capable of reaching the Greater Tel Aviv area.

Iranian experts continue making their way to Gaza and Libya today is another “gateway for weapons supplies” he warned.

“The Shin Bet has hundreds of potential targets in Gaza and when the order is given, we can begin striking out at them” he concluded.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)