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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
| Olmert orders delay of IDF incursion into northern Gaza |
| 2006-06-29 |
| In a meeting with Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered the delay of an IDF incursion into northern Gaza . Government sources emphasized that the order was not a cancellation, but rather a postponement. The delay is related to an undisclosed development on the diplomatic front. Earlier Thursday, Peretz revealed that a "surprising diplomatic breakthrough" was possible in the attempts to release kidnapped Cpl. Gilad Shalit, but did not elaborate on the development. "We are in one of the most crucial stages of establishing the rules of conduct between us and the Palestinian terror organizations," he asserted. His aides, however, said that diplomatic efforts "were not bearing fruit," but added that a new development was possible soon. Still, Peretz approved the continuation of IDF operations in southern Gaza that had been taking place since Tuesday night. He urged the forces to be aware of the Palestinian population's distress. As part of the continuing offensive, the IAF confirmed that it had struck a car in Gaza that transported two Islamic Jihad operatives. Reports on the fate of the targets varied. Some Palestinian sources said that at least one of the passengers was wounded in the attack, while others claimed that both escaped unharmed. Meanwhile, Palestinian operatives laid an explosive device along the border with Egypt, blasting a large hole in the border fence. Egyptian officers lined the breach and Palestinian security forces fired in the air to prevent entry of Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula. Earlier, the IAF launched missiles at what it said were open areas near Khan Younis; Palestinians claimed that a car was struck and that a number of people were wounded. The strike followed the launch of a Kassam rocket from Gaza, landing in a stable in Sderot. There were reports of at least two Sderot residents who were suffering from shock. The IDF has been shelling Kassam launch sites in northern Gaza with artillery. Palestinians reported that a 45-year old farmer sustained moderate wounds from an artillery shell. Meanwhile, the Hizbullah television channel Al-Manar was reporting that Arab diplomats in Gaza were leaving the Strip for fear of an Israeli assault, Israel Radio reported. In a move that would add a second front for Israeli forces in Gaza, IDF tanks, bulldozers and APCs carrying Givati Brigade soldiers were still preparing Thursday morning to move into the northern Gaza Strip. The incursion would be the second phase of "Operation Summer Rains," launched Tuesday night with the goal of retrieving kidnapped Cpl. Gilad Shalit. "The murderous kidnapping of Gilad Shalit crossed a red line," Peretz said during a reception at the home of British Ambassador Simon McDonald. "We are utilizing all the diplomatic tools available, but unfortunately we are encountering a brick wall made up of the Palestinian Authority and that is why we decided to operate inside Gaza." |
| Posted by:lotp |
| #5 Meanwhile, Palestinian operatives laid an explosive device along the border with Egypt, blasting a large hole in the border fence. Egyptian officers lined the breach and Palestinian security forces fired in the air to prevent entry of Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula. I sense a clearing and simplification. |
| Posted by: 6 2006-06-29 18:59 |
| #4 The clock strikes four, it is four o'clock. |
| Posted by: Perfesser 2006-06-29 15:11 |
| #3 Keep tightening the noose, systematically, steadily. Keep the pressure on. In the meantime, the diplomats can work out the details. The only real weapon Hamas has is delay, which plays into the hands of the MSM. Prime Minister Olmert, this is your defining moment. Don't blow it! |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2006-06-29 15:07 |
| #2 So predictable. |
| Posted by: Groger9698 2006-06-29 13:50 |
| #1 Not sure if its Von Clauswitz or Sun Tzu who said it: All delays in war are dangerous. |
| Posted by: badanov 2006-06-29 13:02 |