IDF commanders are seeking a green light from the political echelon as the frequency and severity of attacks from Gaza increase.

Military commanders are seeking to change from defensive to offensive tactics, opting for a major military incursion into Hamas-controlled Gaza towards uprooting the terrorist base that continues attacks against civilian population centers in southern Israel as well as military targets around the Gaza border area.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert appears steadfast in his opposition to such a move, perhaps unwilling to order another major military operation following his documented failures in the Second Lebanon War.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak continues to release threatening statements to Hamas leaders in Gaza, but his words are not emulated by actions, as the defense minister is not ordering a major IDF operation.

The weekend, a major attack intended to result in the deaths and abduction of additional soldiers was foiled due to the alertness of military personnel but Hamas is continuing tenacious efforts to capture additional soldiers to use them as negotiating pawns towards compelling Israel to cut a deal with the terror organization. Hamas needs a victory, with recent polls showing most Gaza residents blame Hamas for the deterioration in their economic realities, while not delivering any prisoners from Israeli jails as promised. Hamas leaders in Gaza are under mounting pressure to produce results, which in all likelihood will result in stepped-up attacks against Israeli targets.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)