This is fairly big news as it has been over three years since Israel has fired an artillery shell into Gaza but that has begun today. The report is here at YNET and here's some of the update:
Now, many are speculating that this artillery shelling by the IDF is pre-ground invasion softening of the area and that might very well be true but at the same time, I think one must also view this as "shock and awe" type of manuever to influence Hamas leadership to make some moves. Another aspect of this would be that if Israel fears world pressure becoming too great, they are going to want to take out ALL of the closest rocket launching areas closest to southern Israel before they agree to any ceasefire or halt to operations.
One thing I have learned over the years is that I can never predict the Israeli actions. One day it looks like a ground offensive is imminent, the next it looks like they want to settle for a ceasefire. I think there are a couple of signs that the Israelis feel they can continue and possibly even send in ground troops - those two signs are Hezbollah and Iran. Hezbollah has NOT made any threats of a northern offensive to help out Hamas and apparently, the IDF hasn't seen any kind of movement in southern Lebanon and secondly, Iran has been extremely quiet in the past week other than one lame call from the Ayatollah for ordinary Iranian citizens to strap bombs onto their bodies and travel two weeks to Gaza to blow themselves up.
Finally, the U.S. has not faltered in its support of the Israeli operation - we all know that will probably change in 17 days so Israel probably sees this as one last chance to pummel Hamas before B. Hussein Obama takes over and joins the chorus of pali-sympathizing Western leaders.
For the first time since the operation in Gaza got underway, IDF artillery cannons started to shell targets in the Strip. The IDF said that by Saturday evening hundreds of shells had been fired at precise targets in Gaza. Much of Gaza was enveloped by darkness as night fell.
Most shells are landing in what the Palestinians characterize as the "security zone" adjacent to the Gaza Strip fence. The IDF is targeting rocket launching sites in Jabaliya, Khan Younis, and Beit Hanoun.
Now, many are speculating that this artillery shelling by the IDF is pre-ground invasion softening of the area and that might very well be true but at the same time, I think one must also view this as "shock and awe" type of manuever to influence Hamas leadership to make some moves. Another aspect of this would be that if Israel fears world pressure becoming too great, they are going to want to take out ALL of the closest rocket launching areas closest to southern Israel before they agree to any ceasefire or halt to operations.
One thing I have learned over the years is that I can never predict the Israeli actions. One day it looks like a ground offensive is imminent, the next it looks like they want to settle for a ceasefire. I think there are a couple of signs that the Israelis feel they can continue and possibly even send in ground troops - those two signs are Hezbollah and Iran. Hezbollah has NOT made any threats of a northern offensive to help out Hamas and apparently, the IDF hasn't seen any kind of movement in southern Lebanon and secondly, Iran has been extremely quiet in the past week other than one lame call from the Ayatollah for ordinary Iranian citizens to strap bombs onto their bodies and travel two weeks to Gaza to blow themselves up.
Finally, the U.S. has not faltered in its support of the Israeli operation - we all know that will probably change in 17 days so Israel probably sees this as one last chance to pummel Hamas before B. Hussein Obama takes over and joins the chorus of pali-sympathizing Western leaders.
IDF artillery targets Gaza
IDF escalating attacks? For first time since Gaza op's start, IDF artillery units shell targets in Strip. Meanwhile, Air Force hunts for senior Hamas terror activists in Strip, hits dozens of targets Saturday; Hamas officer killed after car hit by aircraft
For the first time since the operation in Gaza got underway, IDF artillery cannons started to shell targets in the Strip. The IDF said that by Saturday evening hundreds of shells had been fired at precise targets in Gaza. Much of Gaza was enveloped by darkness as night fell.
IDF artillery cannons began pounding the eastern sector of the Gaza Strip around 4 pm Saturday. Ynet correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai reported that portable artillery batteries are engaging in a heavy bombardment of the area.
This is the first time in three years that the IDF has fired artillery shells at Gaza targets.
Most shells are landing in what the Palestinians characterize as the "security zone" adjacent to the Gaza Strip fence. The IDF is targeting rocket launching sites in Jabaliya, Khan Younis, and Beit Hanoun.
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