Israel Looking Over It's Shoulder Before Deciding On Major Operation

For those who thought that Israel had turned the corner on the issue of defending its citizens from the Hamas rockets--think again.

Israel Radio reported today that the political-security cabinet is scheduled to convene Wednesday to discuss plans for a major operation in the Gaza Strip - the same day that Prime Minister Olmert will be meeting with Secretary of State Rice.

It remains unclear if the move is in order to postpone a major move until after the visit or give Rice the opportunity to veto and/or provide an excuse for PM Olmert for not invading Gaza.

There is some speculation that a decision won't actually be made on Wednesday and that instead Olmert will send the security heads back to do more homework answering questions raised at the meeting - thus delaying approval of a major operation yet another week in the hopes that by that time the level of shooting will reduce to the point that the operation can be indefinitely postponed.

So Israel is looking for an excuse not to deal a decisive blow? So what were they thinking when they first went in?

Considering what happened the last time the US gave Israel free reign to attack a terrorist group that was bombing it--is it really likely that Rice will give Olmert the OK to defend itself, especially seeing how such an attack will cause irreparable harm the imaginary peace process inaugurated in Annapolis?

Bottom line, the IDF that originally came out like a lion is once again reduced to being a lamb.

Crossposted on Soccer Dad

Technorati Tag: Israel and Gaza.