Deeper into Gaza?
Photo: AFP
Sarkozy and Mubarak Tuesday
Photo: AFP
Cabinet convenes to discuss Gaza operation
Ministers to be briefed by heads of defense establishment, including IDF chief Ashkenazi, Shin Bet head Diskin. Cabinet will discuss possibility to expand ground offensive versus Egyptian-led initiative for ceasefire in Strip
The cabinet convened on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of expanding the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The ministers will be briefed by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi and Shin Bet Director Yuval Diskin, and attempt to determine whether the operation is close to obtaining its objectives, including enhancing Israel's deterrence vis-a-vis Hamas.
The cabinet will also need to address the Egyptian-led initiative for a ceasefire, which has already been endorsed by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and the mounting international pressure on Israel to halt the fire.
While the international community is sympathetic to Israel's demands regarding the need to stop Hamas' military buildup and rocket attacks, as well as the weapon smuggling via the Philadelphi Route and sea, it is vastly opposed to Israel's objection to include Hamas in any future diplomatic treaty.
The issue of the border crossings poses another problem, since Israel is insists that they should only be reopened after the Palestinian Authority has assumed control over them.
Egypt said on Tuesday it was proposing an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza, to be followed by talks on long-term arrangements including an end to the blockade of Gaza.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak presented the proposal in a brief statement after talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
The proposal made no mention of many of the elements which diplomats said were under discussion, such as an international force to prevent the Islamist group Hamas receiving weapons.
Reuters contributed to the report
