Israeli leaders stepped up a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, authorizing
troops Wednesday to move into residential areas and create a security zone to
prevent militants from firing rockets into Israel.
The Security Cabinet's decision indicated that Israel could be prepared to
partially reoccupy Gaza, less than a year after withdrawing all troops and
settlements from the coastal strip.
Israeli military vehicle drives along the
border with the northern Gaza Strip near Kibbutz Measlim, Israel,
Wednesday July 5, 2006. [AP]
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Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened the urgent meeting after militants from
the ruling Hamas group fired a rocket into the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon
late Tuesday. Although the attack caused no injuries, it was the first time a
rocket has flown so far into Israel, signaling that militants have improved the
range of the primitive weapons and escalating a crisis over a captured Israeli
soldier.
Before the meeting, Olmert called the strike a "major escalation" and vowed
harsh retaliation.
"There will be steps taken and they will be very serious," said Cabinet
Minister Yitzhak Herzog. "There is a very broad operation here. It will
continue."
Participants said the Security Cabinet authorized the army to enter densely
populated residential areas, which militants often use for cover to fire
rockets.
One official said Israel had no plans to reoccupy Gaza. But a second
participant said the ministers approved creation of a "security zone" in
northern Gaza to prevent rocket attacks, raising the possibility of an extended
presence in the area. Israel maintained a small strip in southern Lebanon for 18
years before withdrawing in 2000.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying a formal statement
would be released later.
Israel launched its offensive into Gaza last week after Palestinian militants
kidnapped an Israeli soldier during a brazen attack on a military outpost. The
army has been operating in Gaza, but has avoided sending troops into the strip's
dense cities. Wednesday's rocket attack changed the equation.
"As far as I'm concerned, the people of (northern towns) Beit Hanoun and Beit
Lahiya can start packing," said Zeev Boim, a senior minister in the Security
Cabinet.
Earlier Wednesday, Israeli aircraft targeted the Palestinian Interior
Ministry for the second time in a week, the Israeli military said. Witnesses
said missiles hit the main structure and damaged a building next to the
ministry. Rescue workers said five people were wounded.