Israel launches a rocket from its 'Iron Dome' defensive system to intercept
an incoming missile launched form Gaza. (Reuters)
Tanks and troops are massing on Israel's border with Gaza, and on Friday evening, Israel's cabinet authorized mobilization of up to 75,000 reservists, up from just 16,000 authorized the day before, with 30,000 already reporting for duty in their home districts. These moves are reactions to long-range rockets from Gaza reaching as far as Jerusalem, though without yet creating damage or casualties. But the vulnerability of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to rocket attacks from Gaza is causing Israel to get panicky.
Recall that in 2006, Israel went to war with Hizbollah in Lebanon, within four hours of the capture of two Israeli soldier, with no plan, and no objective, resulting in total chaos.
The current situation has the same feeling of Israel panicking. However, we have to assume that the Israelis learned a lot from 2006, and that they have a plan. Possibly the military buildup is just a bluff, and there's no intention of invading. Or the invasion may have begun by the time you read this. If the invasion does take place, it's hard to see what the objective will be. Even in the unlikely event that Israel manages to destroy every missile in Gaza, it will only be weeks before a new supply comes in from Iran through Egypt, through the Rafah crossing. Reuters and Debka
