Israel Preparing For an Invasion of Gaza

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Source: International Herald Tribune

JERUSALEM: Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned on Thursday that militants in Hamas-run Gaza would pay a "heavy price" if they continued to target Israel, as the Israeli military made preparations for a possible large-scale assault on the coastal territory.

A day earlier, militants had pummeled southern Israel with more than 80 rockets and mortar shells, causing no injuries but generating widespread panic. Israeli cabinet ministers huddled for hours discussing Israel's response to the barrage, and defense officials later said that ministers had approved a broad invasion of Gaza that would begin after winter rains subsided.

On Thursday, Barak insisted that "we will not accept this situation."

"Whoever harms the citizens and soldiers of Israel will pay a heavy price," he said.

He did not elaborate. But defense officials, speaking on condition on anonymity because they were not permitted to discuss the plans, said the Israeli operation would probably begin with airstrikes against rocket launchers and continue with a land incursion.

Israel has thus far been reluctant to press ahead with a campaign liable to exact heavy casualties on both sides. Past incursions have not halted the barrages, and officials fear anything short of a reoccupation of Gaza would fail to achieve the desired result of halting the rocket fire.

more: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/25/mideast/mideast.php