Is the Real Target Hamas Rule?

[groovedaddy]

EREZ CROSSING, on the Israel-Gaza border — As Israel’s tanks and troops poured into Gaza on Saturday, the next phase in its fierce attempt to end rocket attacks, a question hung over the operation: can the rockets really be stopped for any length of time while Hamas remains in power in Gaza?

And if the answer is determined to be no, then is the real aim of the operation to remove Hamas entirely, no matter the cost?

After her visit to Paris on Thursday to explain to French authorities why she thought this was not the time for a quick cease-fire, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni of Israel said, “There is no doubt that as long as Hamas controls Gaza, it is a problem for Israel, a problem for the Palestinians and a problem for the entire region.”

Vice Premier Haim Ramon went even further Friday night in an interview on Israeli television, saying Israel must not end this operation with Hamas in charge of Gaza.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/world/middleeast/04assess.html?th&emc=th

[Idealism]

1. Hamas isn't the only group unhappy with the occupation

Islamic Jihad, Fatah's old Brigades, etc. Not to mention just impoverished, hungry people pushed to extremism.