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IDF forces in the Gaza Strip (unrelated - Flash90)
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| By Israel Insider staff September 5, 2007 |
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Senior defense officials said that terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip possess longer-range missiles, which they have yet to use while bombarding towns in the western Negev with Qassams and mortar shells, according to the local press. Militant groups reportedly have Grad missiles, whose range is 25 kilometers, compared to the 3-10 kilometer range of various grade Qassams, according to Ynet.
"There is a very large process of empowerment in the Strip, which is not being felt in Israel. We naturally refer to Qassams. Those who have to make the decisions are familiar with the situation and will issue the right orders," an IDF source said, underscoring that there are greater dangers in Gaza than missiles alone.
"Qassams are only one aspect of the terror in the Strip, and we cannot operate only against this aspect," the source added. "We can operate against all aspects of terror.
Officials said Tuesday that the IDF will unlikely launch a large-scale operation in Gaza to thwart future missile strikes on Israel, despite the recent escalation in attacks against Gaza periphery towns. With the holiday season just days away, tension high along the Syrian border and the US-sponsored November peace summit approaching, defense officials said now was not the time for a large incursion.
"There are many other factors that need to be taken into consideration," the Jerusalem Post quoted one official as saying. "The time has not yet come."
Minister of Transportation Shaul Mofaz publicly urged the prime minister to take action against the terrorist groups sending missiles into Israel.
"A sovereign nation cannot allow terrorist leaders to determine the fate of Sderot's children," he said.
"In previous years, when we stood before the threats of terrorists and suicide bombers we worked against the heads of terrorist organizations, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and we stopped the wave of suicide bombers," Mofaz continued. "Mr. Prime Minister, I call on you today to direct the IDF and Shin Bet [Israel Security Agency] to strike the leaders of the murderers, and to return security to Sderot and the citizens of Israel."
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