An IDF force entered the Gaza Strip in order to secure a road 50 meters (about 150 feet) beyond the Gaza security fence Thursday afternoon. The move follows the killing of two terrorists who attempted to place a bomb south of the Kissufim crossing last night.
The move marks the first time IDF troops enter Gaza since the disengagement. In the past, PA police officers would neutralize explosive devices placed by terrorists, but as a result of the severance of ties with the Hamas-led government, soldiers were forced to complete the mission themselves.
IDF engineering troops scoured the area in order to ensure no explosive devices were left behind at the site. Such bombs could threaten soldiers patrolling the Gaza security fence. The operation lasted several hours but no explosives were discovered. Army officials said the operation had to be carried out in light of the circumstances.
"We're not talking about a ground operation in the Strip but rather, handling a specific incident using a military force, after commanders on the ground ruled this was the correct way to protect soldiers," an IDF Southern Command official said. A senior Gaza Division officer told Ynet: "We had to discount the possibility of a detonation of an explosive device against forces in the future, and that's why we chose this operation."
"It's possible the terrorists wanted us to reach the fence in order to hurt the troops or detonate the device using another terrorist left behind. We scoured the area in order to identify the path used by the terrorists," the officer said.
If the situation continues to deteriorate, and there is nothing to suggest that it is not all downhill from here on, but eventually the government of Israeli will be faced with the decision to move IDF ground troops back into the Gaza Strip or sacrifice the lives of Israeli civilians.
No comments:
Post a Comment