- Amos Harel (Ha'aretz, 15 June 2003/IMRA) An Israeli security source says American reservations over Israel's recent measures in the territories have been replaced by renewed pressure on Abbas and Dahlan to accept security control in the northern Gaza Strip. According to a high-ranking IDF officer, "The Americans finally understand that if Hamas is not neutralized, Abbas's government will not be able to take off." The defense establishment is convinced that, despite criticism of its policy of targeted killings, the assault on the Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip has brought results. Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon said, "They [Hamas] are on the verge of surrender, and are already negotiating a cease-fire." Security sources added that as long as those being targeted were lower-ranking activists, the Hamas leadership was undeterred, "but since the threat has become personal, the leadership is showing signs of stress." The IDF claims Dahlan has 20,000 armed men at his disposal (providing Arafat does not prevent their mobilization) - a sufficient number to control several hundred armed Hamas men. The decision to target Hamas leaders was not an emotional response that got out of control, sources in the IDF General Staff claimed. They insist that the new policy is the result of calculated considerations, and came after a host of in-depth discussions among top defense establishment officials. Israel opted for "shock therapy": it placed Hamas leaders in the crosshairs and generated a crisis that will force Abbas and his people to act.
2003-06-16 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive