IDF launches Gaza ground operation

The Israel Defense Forces launched a ground offensive last night into Gaza, as large numbers of infantry and tank forces invaded the northern Strip following several hours of heavy aerial and artillery bombardment.

IDF troops exchanged fire with armed Palestinians at several locations, and killed several Hamas fighters. Military sources said the goals of the operation did not include an extended occupation, but "a hard strike against Hamas' military wing."

The cabinet instructed the IDF to prepare for a possible expansion of the operation and to call up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers ahead of a possible conflagration on the northern front as well.

The operation has not been given a firm timetable, and while reserve soldiers are not currently expected to be deployed inside the Strip, their deployment there could be considered at a later date, should the operation be expanded.

IDF sources expect rocket fire from the territory to persist, but estimate Hamas' rocket manufacturing capability to be significantly diminished. The military has also imposed a complete sea blockade on the Strip.

The security cabinet authorized the ground operation in a secret meeting Friday afternoon, after hours of consultations between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak at the Prime Minister's Office located in the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. The talks began on Livni's return from Paris shortly after midnight, and continued until 4 A.M. Friday morning, when the three decided to bring the ground operation for approval of the security cabinet.

A statement from the security cabinet indicated the operation would be limited in time and scale, but that the army would also prepare for a much wider scope of fighting.

The Prime Minister's Office released a statement saying, "The IDF was instructed to maintain readiness on additional fronts, and in that effort to mobilize the necessary reserve forces of tens of thousands of soldiers."

Barak said yesterday that the decision for a ground offensive was made after "deep consideration," adding that "every alternative had been thoroughly considered. We are fully aware of the fact that this is a move that will involve challenges and difficulties, as well as casualties."

"It won't be easy and it won't be short. I don't want to delude anyone - the residents of the south of the country will now have some difficult days," Barak added.

GOC Northern Command is maintaining a high level of preparedness. IDF evaluations conducted over the weekend raised the possibility of renewed rocket fire on Israel's north from southern Lebanon as a sign of solidarity between Hezbollah and Hamas. "We're also watching the sensitive situation in the north," Barak said. "We have no intention of a confrontation there. We hope the northern arena remains quiet, but we're prepared and ready for any possibility."

"I'm aware of the heavy responsibility weighing on us in launching the operation. Still, the IDF's role is to protect the home front," he said. "It must be said in the clearest possible way that a ground operation involves danger to soldiers' lives. As a combat soldier and commander, and as someone who has led soldiers into battle missions, I know very well about the dangers involved in any offensive action, and the heavy price it is liable to exact," he continued.

The defense minister added that while Israel seeks peace in the region, it could no longer stand idly by amid the ongoing rocket attacks.

"The time has come to do what needs to be done. To give our citizens what every citizen of the world deserves: peace and quiet, and to remove future threats as much as possible."

The offensive will take many days, the chief military spokesman said. "This won't be a school outing," Brig. Gen. Avi Benayahu told Channel Two television yesterday. "We are talking about many long days."

A statement from the IDF Spokesperson's office read: "The objective of this stage is to destroy the terrorist infrastructure of Hamas in the area of operation ... The IDF spokesperson wishes to reiterate that the residents of Gaza are not the target of the operation. Those who use civilians, the elderly, women and children as "human shields" are responsible for any and all injuries to the civilian population. Anyone who hides a terrorist or weapons in his house is considered a terrorist."

IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi wrote to commanders and soldiers participating in the offensive yesterday stating, "I have complete faith in you. I trust you and stand behind you. We are ready for action and will apply our complete determination in reaching our goals."

GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Yoav Gallant told commanders, "The fate of the campaign is in your hands. Your achievements will influence Israel's position in the region."