Army general: Israel seeking a way out
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A senior Israeli army official has admitted that Tel Aviv may not be able to topple Hamas through a military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
"It's doubtful if it is possible to bring about regime change in the Gaza Strip solely by force," head of General Staff's Operations Directorate Major General Tal Russo said in a Wednesday meeting with Tel Aviv's senior military officials, Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported.
"We are far from the ability to implement the optimal exit strategy from the Gaza Strip. This places a complicated dilemma before the government," he added.
Despite acknowledging that a military offensive may not lead to the downfall of Hamas, the general said that an escalation of attacks against Gaza was an option.
Russo also suggested signing a comprehensive security arrangement with Hamas, which could give Israel an opportunity to escape a disadvantageous military campaign.
"When we look at the expectations of the operation and the ultimate situation in terms of cost and benefits, the conclusion will be not to embark on an operation before we look at the conditions for exit," he said.
News of the meeting between Tel Aviv's senior military officials came as the offensive in Gaza entered its thirteenth day, with the number of Palestinians killed at over 710 and the number of injured at more than 3,100.
Smoke rises in Gaza City following an Israeli attack, Jan 8.
Although at the beginning of the Israeli onslaught against Gaza, Tel Aviv said that it was launching the raids to stop Palestinian rocket fire into Israel, it later announced that the main objective was to bring down the Hamas government in the coastal enclave.
Hamas, which does not recognize Israel, came to power after winning the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections in January 2006. However, almost immediately after its democratic victory, the Hamas administration faced Western embargoes and threats of a coup.
In mid 2007, Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas, who leads the rival Fatah faction, dissolved the government, replacing it with the Salam Fayyad administration without holding an election. Following the move Hamas took over Gaza and has since been in charge of the costal sliver.
Israel began its military operation in Gaza just hours after a six-month ceasefire between the two sides ended on December 20. A week later, Tel Aviv launched an all-inclusive aerial bombardment of the strip -- which was later extended into a comprehensive ground incursion.
So far, a handful of Israelis have been killed in Hamas rocket fire, which started after Tel Aviv's initial deadly attack. |
