"There is . . . a time for war . . ."
(Eccesiastes 3:8)
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Operation Protective Edge:
A Message from the Embassy of Israel
Editor's Note:
The American media is referring to Israel's new military campaign as "Operation Protective Edge."
In Hebrew, this campaign is really called: "Operation Tsook Eitan."
Tsook = a strong, enduring, mountain face
Eitan= immovable strength
WE AGREE!!!!
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SPECIAL CABLE: OPERATION PROTECTIVE EDGE
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SPECIAL CABLE: OPERATION PROTECTIVE EDGE
This is a special edition cable because Israel is in need of support for its right to self defense. More than a million Israelis have been living under fire for years. Israel has entered a defined military operation in its effort to protect civilians along the Israel-Gaza border. Attacks on Israeli towns and communities continue as you read this message. Moments ago, a rocket fired by terrorists in Gaza towards Tel Aviv was intercepted by Iron Dome. Terrorists also attempted to infiltrate by sea in Zikim.
Over the past three weeks, the Hamas terror organization has escalated its attack on Israeli civilians launching more than 200 rockets at the towns on our southern border, putting millions of Israeli lives at risk. Israeli families have been forced into shelters, their kids kept from their summer camps, and schools closed. All normal daily activities have been impacted. This is unacceptable.
Israel called on Hamas repeatedly to stop its war crime tactics and they answered with more rocket attacks. Yesterday, terrorists in Gaza launched 80 rockets towards Israel. Therefore, Israel launched last night an operation of self defense to counter these incessant attacks. The sole aim of the mission is to defend our citizens and to secure for them a life without constant threat. We are not interested in further escalation, but will do whatever is needed to defend our citizens. All options are on the table.
Hamas is a terror organization motivated by the most radical ideology, including a charter that calls for the murder of all Jews. Hamas leadership celebrated the kidnapping and murder of the three Israeli teens, and called for more kidnappings. Hamas is responsible for 80 suicide bombers that have killed nearly 1,000 Israeli civilians. Hamas has been labeled a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Japan and Egypt
In Gaza, Hamas is violating international law and engaging in war crimes as their militants launch rockets indiscriminately at civilians from civilian areas, and hide in civilian infrastructures including mosques, schools and hospitals. They purposefully put innocent Palestinians at risk to safeguard themselves.
Israel recognizes these war crimes and is operating with the utmost care to avoid civilian casualties. We are focused on targeting Hamas and other terror organizations, their operatives and infrastructure. Israel is giving repeated warnings to civilians to vacate areas they are about to target, and using pinpoint technologies to hit only the targeted infrastructure.
We appreciate the ongoing support from the United States for Israel's right to self defense. The Iron Dome missile defense system is deployed in the south and has stopped most of the rockets fired towards Israel's populated areas.
As Operation Protective Edge progresses, we will continue to keep you informed and encourage you to follow our social media outlets for up-to-the-minute information.
Read more:
Twitter List: Israel Under Fire
Twitter: IDF | Embassy of Israel
Facebook: IDF | Embassy of Israel
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are Israel's objectives for the operation?
More than 200 rockets have been fired at Israel in the last month. Israel's goal is to restore normalcy to the lives of the millions of Israeli civilians in the south. Hamas' tactics of indiscriminate rocket fire and attacks on Israeli civilians cannot be tolerated. This is an operation of self defense, intended to secure the safety of our civilians.
2. Who and what are Israel targeting in Gaza?
We are targeting Hamas infrastructure and terrorists involved in the ongoing attacks. Homes of Hamas operatives, which are being used in Hamas operations and planning, are included in our targets. Our operation is strategic and measured. We are giving multiple advance warnings to civilians in the area warning of coming attacks.
3. Why are we engaging with Hamas now?
Hamas chose to engage with us. We walked out of Gaza, they chose to open armed conflict in variety of means - rockets, terror tunnels, kidnappings and suicide bombers. They are motivated by radical, extremist ideology. These activities have escalated in the last month, since Hamas and Fatah signed their pact. The Hamas terror organization has escalated its attack on Israeli civilians launching more than 200 rockets, including 130 in the last 24 hours. Hundreds of rockets have been shot at the towns on our southern border, putting millions of Israelis at risk.
4. When will Operation Protective Edge end?
When we are able to ensure that the citizens along our borders will not be terrorized by Hamas. We will consider the operation successful if Hamas is no longer firing rockets at our borders.
5. Is Gaza under siege?
It isn't. Hamas has maintained effective control of the Gaza Strip and its people since Israel's disengagement. Hamas has chosen a path of armed conflict with Israel--rockets, suicide attacks, terror tunnels and kidnappings--and has soured its relation with Egypt.
As late as Sunday, July 6, Israel was delivering supplies, gas and food to Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, even as Gaza militants were firing towards the crossing. 137 trucks and 218 tons of gas were delivered to Gaza on Sunday. Due to the current circumstances the crossings are closed.
6. How does the operation influence the possibility of peace?
Hamas would have been a partner for peace if it had reformed itself. Instead it has escalated its utilization of terror. It is past time for President Abbas to recognize that he has formed a pact with a terrorist organization that is antithetical to peace. The only hope for peace is for him to break those ties.
> > > Go here to see more on who is Hamas.
