Going into Gaza
The IAF blew up a strategic bridge to keep the terrorists from taking Cpl. Shalit out of Gaza, and IDF soldiers are waiting for orders (or may already have gotten them) to go into Gaza.
IAF aircraft blew up a key strategic bridge in the northern Gaza Strip shortly before midnight on Tuesday. The army said that the operation was intended to keep Hamas from taking kidnapped soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit out of the Gaza Strip.
In addition, IDF tanks were amassing around Gaza, and were awaiting orders to begin a ground incursion into the strip. However, the the army denied an Israel Radio report that the armored forces had actually begun a ground incursion into the strip.
Meantime, another attack threat at another crossing:
I think that this is going to end badly for Cpl. Shalit. I don’t believe the terrorists will simply give him back, and Olmert appears to be standing fast on his refusal to negotiate for his release.
Vital Perspectives is liveblogging the operation. Go there for updates.
Update: The tanks rolled into Gaza some time ago, and the IDF is using artillery. The war is on.
Meanwhile, it appears that the 18-year-old boy missing from Itamar may be dead: Report: Israeli body found in Ramallah.
June 27th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
[...] Michelle Malkin Blogs of War Captains Quarters Yourish Wizbang [...]
June 27th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
Palestinians Report IAF Air Strike - IDF Ground Movement…
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Things are tense in Israel:
Palestinians reports IDF ground movements in southern Gaza; planes and helicopters circle overhead. Following situational analysis in upper echelons, Peretz proclaims: The clock is ticking. IDF is …
June 27th, 2006 at 9:54 pm
I believe you are correct - these 2 hostages will be tortured and killed.
But the terrorism must be meet with steady, determined force.
Sadly, many will die. Even more sadly, many innocents will die. But freedom from fear has its price.
June 27th, 2006 at 10:20 pm
Stage One…
Israel has begun military action against Gaza and the Palestinian terrorists. They destroyed a bridge that could have been used by terrorists to transport the kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilead Shalit. Additional strikes may be in the offing, as IDF g…..
June 27th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
[...] Now that the Israeli army is there. Meryl has the scoop. Doesn’t pay to kidnap one of their soldiers. Course the Palis kidnapped another Israeli and are pulling the “we’ll execute him if you don’t submit” bit. They will do it anyway. [...]
June 27th, 2006 at 11:30 pm
I say that Israel should announce that it will fight wars in Gaza as another Middle Eastern country, and not in the manner of a Western country. Israel should then point out what Syria did to domestic political opposition at Hama, and what Jordan did to the Palestinians during September 1970, as well as what the PLO did to other Palestinians during riots after the PLO returned from Tunis to the West Bank. Then Israel should follow up with similar action.
And let the UN be damned.
chsw