Better now than later

YNET asks the question Is Gaza war inevitable?

[..] During a meeting with military reporters a month ago, Diskin noted that the timing of a large military campaign should be carefully weighed, because we must take “the day after” into account. No one is really interested in seeing the Palestinian Authority collapse, thus forcing Israel to reestablish the Civil Administration.

A senior defense establishment official says that each time the army asks the prime minister to change something in the rules of engagement pertaining to the Qassam launchers or to carry out a limited operation in the Strip along the fence the answer is: “No, we shall maintain the ceasefire to the end. So that when we have to strike we’ll have clean hands in the eyes of the international community and we’ll gain support.”

To worry what the neigbours will think is to give the neighbours power over you. The more you show your concern, the more they will exercise their advantage.

Meanwhile,

According to the Shin Bet chief’s forecast, some 200,000 Israelis will find themselves under the threat of missile fire from Gaza as early as this year. The Home Front Command has already drawn up a plan at a cost of a billion and a half shekels (roughly USD 400 million) for reinforcing the communities located up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Strip; however, it doesn’t seem like anyone is planning to really budget the plan.

In parallel to upgrading the rockets against the Israeli home front, Hamas is working on efficiently hindering an Israeli ground assault. Four divisions have already been established. The Hamas army, which is based on the Hizbullah model and already numbers 8,000, is well equipped and trained. Its troops are sent to Iran for studies and training, where they learn the Hizbullah lessons from the last war.

Then there are another 5,500 troops, the Hamas security forces, who demonstrated an impressive capability against Fatah in recent months.

YNET though is still hoping it can be avoided.