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Source: http://washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=3285
Tension with Gaza: Israel's Deterrence under Pressure
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Jeffrey White - The IDF assesses that Hamas currently wants to concentrate on internal matters in Gaza and building its political and military strength rather than becoming involved in open warfare with Israel. Yet the multiplicity of armed actors within Gaza make this process difficult to undertake with complete assurance. Hamas appears to be suppressing some rocket and mortar fire, while permitting various groups to carry out actions along the security fence. The primary means of preventing attacks is through maintenance and periodic reinforcement of deterrence by applying threats and limited and controlled military power. But effective deterrence is not achieved at once, or forever, or without risk of escalation. The writer is a defense fellow at The Washington Institute.