New intelligence indicates forces in Gaza may be
manufacturing long-range rockets locally.
If this is the case, a significant
ground force offers the Israelis the best chance of finding and neutralizing
the factories making these weapons. Meanwhile, Israel continues its airstrikes
on Gaza, and Gaza continues its long-range rocket attacks on major Israeli
population centers, though Israel claims its Iron Dome defense system has
intercepted most of the rockets.
Israel appears to be positioning itself for a ground
operation . . . The Israeli Cabinet on
Nov. 16 approved Defense Minister Ehud Barak's request to call up 75,000
reservists, significantly more than during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009.
The Israeli army meanwhile has also sought to strengthen its presence on the
borders with Gaza. Primary roads leading to Gaza and running parallel to Sinai
have been declared closed military zones. Tanks, armored personnel carriers,
self-propelled artillery and troops continue to stream to the border, and many
units already appear to be in position.
(text excerpt from Stratfor, of which this editor is a member)
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