(Ha'aretz) Ze'ev Schiff - Only sustained activity by PA preventive security forces against the terror infrastructure can possibly reduce the scope of IDF attacks on Hamas and Islamic Jihad leadership and terrorist networks. While Israel has decided not to cause harm to the general Palestinian population, it will not be possible in the IDF operations to avoid harming figures associated with Hamas' social-religious networks. Israel might discuss a truce toward the end of the process of a full crackdown on the terrorist organizations. The character of targets chosen by Israel in anti-terror operations has changed to include not only terror operatives but also leaders of the militant Islamic organizations. In terms of deterrence, it is not crucially important whether a missile fired from a helicopter is entirely accurate, or whether the target, and his bodyguards, escape. The overall purpose is to let Hamas know that the IDF is on the trail of terrorist group leaders.
2003-08-27 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive