Israel Warns it will Kill more Hamas Leadership

Israel & Palestine Forum

Israel will strike at more Hamas leaders, the Israeli defense minister said Tuesday, a day after the founder of the Islamic militant group, Sheik Ahmed Yassin, was assassinated in a missile attack.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and his security chiefs decided to try to kill the entire Hamas leadership, without waiting for another terror attack, security sources said Tuesday.

The killing of Yassin threatens to escalate Israel-Palestinian fighting. Fearing revenge, Israel beefed up security throughout the country and at missions abroad.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians thronged the streets of Gaza City for Yassin's funeral procession Monday, and Hamas threatened punishing revenge attacks against Israel. It also hinted that the United States could become a target for backing Israel, though such threats were not repeated Tuesday.

Hamas, founded by Yassin in 1987, wants to destroy Israel and replace it with an Islamic state. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Monday that Hamas killed 377 Israelis and wounded more than 2,000 in hundreds of attacks.

Mofaz said Tuesday that other Hamas leaders would be targeted. "If we will continue, in a determined way, with our strikes against Hamas and other terror groups, with the means I outlined, including action against those leaders, we will bring more security to Israeli citizens," he said.

Mofaz and Israeli security chiefs met for five hours late Monday and decided to step up targeted attacks, the security sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. They said officials decided to go after the entire Hamas leadership without waiting for another attack by the militant group.

A decision on targeting top Hamas officials was first made last week by Israel's Cabinet, in response to a double suicide bombing at an Israeli seaport.

On Tuesday, Israel's army chief suggested that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and the chief of the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, would eventually be assassinated by Israel.

"I think that their responses yesterday show that they understand that it is nearing them," Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon said when asked if the two men were in Israel's crosshairs.

Arafat's aides say the Palestinian leader is concerned about being targeted. It was not clear what response by Nasrallah the army chief was referring to.

In Gaza City, thousands of mourners gathered in a reception area set up in a large soccer stadium adorned with green Hamas flags and posters of Yassin. Loudspeakers broadcast calls for jihad, or holy war.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia headed to Gaza on Tuesday to express condolences and was to attend a ceremony at the stadium later in the day.

Yassin's wife, Halima, greeted mourners at their modest Gaza City home. "We're counting on God and God will give us our revenge ... on the Jews I hope, and on the collaborators, and on the spies," she said. The couple had 11 children.

The Palestinian Authority declared three days of mourning and stores throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip were closed. Hamas is the biggest rival to the authority, but Palestinian leaders treat the movement with care because of its popularity.

Israeli security chiefs are closely watching to see who fills the political vacuum caused by Yassin's death. At least initially, hardliner Abdel Aziz Rantisi, has emerged as a Hamas strongman. Rantisi, a 54-year-old pediatrician who escaped an Israeli assassination attempt last June, opposes even a temporary truce with Israel.

Ismail Hanieh, a top Yassin aide, said Hamas took a blow to morale, but would continue carrying out attacks on Israel. "Sheik Yassin's death is not going to harm or affect the movement. It's going to give us encouragement to go ahead with our program to achieve our goal," Hanieh said.

However, Israel has become more effective in preventing attacks. The number of suicide bombings and the number of victims has dropped, with 142 Israelis killed in 22 bombings in 2003, compared to 214 killed in 53 bombings in 2002.

Analysts attributed the drop to Israel's partially built West Bank barrier, its beefed up intelligence, a brief cease-fire in 2003 and Hamas leaders' fears of assassination.

In the meantime, Israel has increased security both at home and abroad. Jerusalem's usually lively streets were mostly empty Monday night, due to fears of a Hamas attack. Buses remained empty on Tuesday.

Checkpoints were set up around major cities, and police were visible on city streets Tuesday. Tel Aviv police commander Yossi Sedbon told Army Radio that he expects the alert level to remain high for at least a month.

A closure preventing Palestinians from entering Israel from the West Bank and Gaza remained in effect, and the army increased forces throughout the Palestinian areas, officials said. Five Palestinians died in violence following Yassin's killing Monday; sporadic stone-throwing clashes in the West Bank were reported Tuesday.

Troops prepared for a variety of scenarios, including kidnappings and attacks on army bases and Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, the officials said. Security also was beefed up for military and political leaders.

Forces increased security along the northern border with Lebanon in fear of a Hezbollah attack. The Lebanese guerrilla group fired anti-tank missiles and artillery rounds at Israeli troops late Monday, drawing Israeli return fire. No casualties were reported.

Outside the country, Israel stepped up security at embassies, consulates and other official offices. Israeli officials also advised various Jewish centers around the world to take precautions. Israel fears that groups operating abroad, like Hezbollah or al-Qaida, might strike to show solidarity with Hamas, the officials said.

The assassination, which killed seven other people, received large support in Israel, despite the belief that it will spark more violence. The Yediot Ahronot daily published a poll showing 60 percent of Israelis that killing Yassin was the right thing to do, while 32 percent thought it was wrong.

On the other hand, 81 percent of Israelis believe the assassination will lead to an increase in militant attacks, according to the Dahaf.

"No one in the system, not even Sharon, believes that the assassination of the sheik will reduce the scope of terror. There is no strategy here: just bitter frustration and mounting difficulty to look the voters in the eye," wrote Yediot columnist Nahum Barnea.

The attack drew widespread condemnation from Arab and European governments. The United States, Israel's closest ally, said it was "deeply troubled" by the assassination and urged restraint.

The killing was part of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's effort to crush Hamas ahead of a possible Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, the killing was seen as a huge gamble that could galvanize the Palestinians behind Israel's arch-foe Hamas.

The missile strike dealt also what could be the final blow to the stalled U.S.-led "road map" peace plan. It also angered Egypt and Jordan, two moderate Arab states whose tacit support Sharon needs for any unilateral withdrawal from Gaza.

A team of top Israeli officials, including Sharon's bureau chief Dov Weisglass and National Security chief Giora Eiland, were headed to Washington on Tuesday to discuss the withdrawal plan with American officials.

Source: AP

I'm not sure if this announcement is genuine. It means one of two things:

1) The Israeli cabinet are simply trying to sound strong to counter the world condemnation, to prove they still believe in what they have done, or:

2) They mean it, which means they're even more stupid than I previously thought.

It's about time Israel began fighting terrorism without both of its hands tied behind its back.

Now it gets to use its pinky.

WTF? ^^^^^

Sharon doesn't want an end to the struggle, this action makes it obvious that he has no interest in peace. As I see his vision, Israel remains as it is (or perhaps grows to occupy more land), while the Palestinians remain as they are (or perhaps continue to emigrate).

What would happen if one of the Palestinian groups, or a terrorist group that supports their goals, were to assasinate Sharon?! Well, the world would denounce it, the US would be infuriated, and Israel would feel justified in murdering even more Palestinians!

Most of us have already agreed that the suicide bombings, supposedly performed in the interest of a free Palestinian state, are counter-productive. How is this all that different?

Sadaam Hussein was an evil man, he and his representatives murdered thousands of innocent Iraquis. The US invaded Iraq, overthrew and eventually captured Hussein, and still faces great criticism for those actions.

Yassin may have been an evil man, Hamas activists have murdered thousands of innocent Israelis. Israel murders him and expects what? Even the US isn't happy about it! The Israelis realize that there will be an increase in terrorist activites. So what was the point?!

I've heard many people go on and on about how the suicide bombings are counter-productive and will prevent peace. Would someone care to explain to me why this is so different? Sure, Yassin was not an innocent civillian. Sure, this isn't the same thing as if Israel had bombed a Palestinian neighborhood. But just as a suicide bombing in Israel motivates Israelis to hate Palestinians and to seek revenge, won't this attack have the very same impact on Palestinians?!

I'm with you Luke, this is a never ending cycle of destruction.
The Palestinian people have no weapons like the Iraeli government does. These people blow themselves up, giving their lives as a weapon in this war because they have no other means to fight back. The lives of Palestinians is under constant pressure by Israel. They are subject to murder and scrutiny. They retaliate by taking the lives of innocent Israelis which only causes more pressure that Israel puts on Palestine. It is a perpetual hotbed and something needs to be done. Both sides are pushing harder and harder and the only result is the loss of blood and lives.

Luke90 said this in post #5 :

Sharon doesn't want an end to the struggle, this action makes it obvious that he has no interest in peace. As I see his vision, Israel remains as it is (or perhaps grows to occupy more land), while the Palestinians remain as they are (or perhaps continue to emigrate).

Absolutely wrong. Sharon is interested in peace, unlike Arafat. Sharon doesnt declare Jihad on Palestine, Arafat does. Everyday bombings in Israel cause jews to emigrate - why do you think there are so many in NY, Toronto - all over NAmerica? Because this is the only place where nobody kills them, kicks them out, etc. You have no idea what you are talking about.

What would happen if one of the Palestinian groups, or a terrorist group that supports their goals, were to assasinate Sharon?!

Sharon is not a terrorist leader but the prime minister of a country. Does it make any difference to you?

Well, the world would denounce it, the US would be infuriated, and Israel would feel justified in murdering even more Palestinians!

Israel would bomb the hell out of Palestine, and that would be just what they deserve. Animals.

Most of us have already agreed that the suicide bombings, supposedly performed in the interest of a free Palestinian state, are counter-productive. How is this all that different?

Israel agreed to peace many times, and it's legal armed forces who actually follow government's directions stopped all military operations. IDF started forcebly moving jews from new settlements, to keep up with the Road Map. Yes it is very different, and if you think it's not, SHUT THE HELL UP - don't reply to me.

Sadaam Hussein was an evil man, he and his representatives murdered thousands of innocent Iraquis. The US invaded Iraq, overthrew and eventually captured Hussein, and still faces great criticism for those actions.

Because people are stupid! That's the only reason.

Yassin may have been an evil man, Hamas activists have murdered thousands of innocent Israelis. Israel murders him and expects what? Even the US isn't happy about it! The Israelis realize that there will be an increase in terrorist activites. So what was the point?!

If peace agreements and cease fires dont work with these animals, you have to kill them - one by one. By animals, i mean terrorist leaders/activists and not ordinary arabs, like those living in Haifa - probably it's the only city where jews and arabs live together and conflicts just don't escalate there.

I've heard many people go on and on about how the suicide bombings are counter-productive and will prevent peace. Would someone care to explain to me why this is so different? Sure, Yassin was not an innocent civillian. Sure, this isn't the same thing as if Israel had bombed a Palestinian neighborhood. But just as a suicide bombing in Israel motivates Israelis to hate Palestinians and to seek revenge, won't this attack have the very same impact on Palestinians?!

OK, lets put it this way. Yassin is guilty of this and that, he founded a terrorist organization, which killed hundreds of civilians, etc. - my point is, he is a criminal who deserves death as a punishment - and a measure to secure the society. We as westerners, know that and judge this conflict looking at it from outside - we understand that Yassin had to go, just like other leaders who inspire shahids. If the palestinians seek revenge for their countryman who was a murdered, who's problem is it - their or Israel's?