As Israel entered day 6 of the war there was some positive news after a more experienced group of ministers joined the government, including National Unity leader Benny Gantz, a former chief of staff.
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Gantz and another former military chief Gadi Eizenkot have vast experiences in Israel's southern and northern fronts and in dealing with security on the West Bank, which has thus far remained relatively calm.
Political matters - which are of no interest to Israelis at the moment - aside, the two are an important addition to decision-makers and can maintain the cool-headedness and calm so badly needed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gantz appear to agree.
One of their first missions would be to bring the government to adjust expectations when speaking to the public. Outrage will only grow as the horrors continue to come to light. But if and until a ground incursion of the military into Gaza begins, the massive bombing campaign on Gaza is an indication that the IDF is now focused on the mission ahead.
Gaza is in ruins. As if decimated by an earthquake. There is no electricity and a humanitarian crisis is pending. As expected, that is prompting calls for Israel to stop its attacks. After the extraordinary show of American support, Israel must be prepared for the international community to speak out against the killing of civilians in Gaza.
After a night without launches, rocket fire resumed on Thursday morning, targeting areas north of the center and in the western parts of the northern West Bank. The military estimates over 5,000 rockets were fired from an arsenal of 15,000 or so in the hands of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror factions in the Strip. They will certainly be put to use as the fighting continues.
"The terrorists came to butcher Israelis," Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, a seasoned military commander said having seen families including young children bound and murdered. He commanded over the fighting in Be'eri where 108 terrorists were killed by troops but says the fight to protect the border area is far from over despite claims that the region was secured. IDF forces killed 25 terrorists in close combat inside Israel, within 30 hours. And Hiram says more terrorists are likely still hiding in the area.
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Bodies of the murdered residents, removed from a burned out home in Kfar Aza
(צילום: Jack Guez / AFP)
The latest revelations are that Hamas came with vast armaments when they breached the border and overran bases and civilian communities. They had thousands of anti-tank landmines, 9M133 Kornet rockets, cluster grenades, night vision apparatus, explosive-laden drones and large amounts of ammunition and explosive devices.
Israel must decide whether to show restraint in the north, amid provocations from Hezbollah, or decide on proactive measures while the U.S. military is in the area, offering support. None of the options are good but now might be a good time to end the practice of pushing the can of confrontation with Hezbollah down the road before it blows up in our faces.
TERROR GROUP SEEKING TO DESTROY ISRAEL
