Operation Autumn Clouds Was Really Just Fog

This morning Arutz Sheva carried the story:

Givati Infantry Brigade forces, accompanied by tanks, armored vehicles and aerial support, have engaged terrorists in heavy battle in northern Gaza; ten terrorists and one soldier have been killed.

IDF censors have released the name of the soldier killed during the clash with terrorists in Beit Hanoun, the PA-controlled Gaza town from which rockets are fired on Sderot. He is Staff Sergeant Kiril Golenshein, 21, from the agricultural community of Shekef.

Golenshein was shot and fatally wounded by Palestinian Authority terrorists at 2:30AM Wednesday. He was evacuated from the scene, but died a short time later. IDF forces shot and hit at least two of the cell that attacked Golenshein's unit.

The stepped-up military offensive is part of ongoing efforts to bring an end to daily Kassam rocket attacks from the Beit Hanoun area of northern Gaza towards the western Negev and Sderot areas. Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) reports it is Israel's largest military operation in Gaza since the abduction of Corp. Gilad Shalit more than four months ago.

At least 30 Arabs have been wounded and six killed; Israeli sources report ten dead. Among the dead are terrorists of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and others. The Hamas Authority government convened for an emergency situation, calling upon Israel to stop its "slaughter."

At first glance, you would think that Israel was starting a real offensive--the kind that some had hinted at which was inevitable, given the constant barrage of missiles from Gaza and the volatility of the situation.

True, there were already the assurances that Israel as limiting its intents, that she would not recapture Gaza--anything to put the terrorists' minds at ease.

Already in the Arutz Sheva article, there were signs of hesitation:

The Security Cabinet met this morning to determine the extent of the
operation. Though the army recommended a wide-ranging offensive, only
local offensives were approved.

The BBC is reporting:

Reports say an inner cabinet of top ministers which met to review the situation in Gaza has decided not to expand the military offensive.

Chas V'Shalom that Israel should create any uncertainty or tension--lest it undermine that sterling moderate Abbas.

Later in the day, Arutz Sheva was reporting

In a sad statement, officials are already signaling defeat, informing Sderot and western Negev residents that the daily Kassam rocket attacks are now ‘part of life,’ indicating the IDF does not have the ability to bring a total cessation to the attacks.

The article continues with an air of despair:

The army’s limited offensive contradicts the statements and promises made by the government in 2005, which then warned the PA (Palestinian Authority) that rocket attacks into southern Israel would be viewed as a border violation and they would be met with a stern IDF response. In the meantime, over a year since the implementation of then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Disengagement Plan, the frequency of attacks continues to increase.

In addition, IDF Corporal Gilad Shalit remains hostage to Hamas terrorists in Gaza sine June 25th. The Olmert administration has gone back on all its promises, vowing it would not end the war in Lebanon until all the captive soldiers are released. Olmert vowed not to sign a ceasefire, and not to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon, but today, Shalit remains captive along with Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, whom are being held by Hizbullah. Hamas politburo leader Khaled Meshal, based in Damascus, continues to veto all prisoner exchange deals with Israel.

Arab media reports of late indicate behind-the-scenes talks are taking place, leading to a deal that will result in Shalit’s release in exchange for some 1,000 terrorists.

And while the media continues to play down the effect of the daily barrage of Kassam rockets, as if it were a mere nuisance, Ynet reports:

Data from Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon indicate that during 2005, 87 people were rushed to hospital compared to 202 in 2006 so far. Emergency room is still not protected.

...A large part of those who were evacuated to the hospital suffered from shock, but there were those who were injured severely and even some killed.

Now, based on what the IDF admits, the numbers are only going to get worse.

Technorati Tag: Israel and Kassams and Gaza.