Dead end in Gaza?
While Israeli officials have stressed that the Gaza operation would be different than the 2006 campaign against Hizbollah in Lebanon, an analysis by Haaretz ' top military correspondent raises doubts (in my mind) about whether the country's political and military leaders are pursuing a clear strategy: After one and a half weeks of fighting the operation is experiencing tension between the immediate goals and ultimate objectives . The immediate goals are destroying rocket launchers, killing fighters and arresting wanted men for interrogation and to swap for Gilad Shalit. The ultimate objectives are a lasting and stable cease-fire, and a long-term end to arms smuggling into Gaza. This tension includes the inherent differences among the three highest-ranking entities behind the operation : the political echelon, and within it the conflicts among the Olmert-Barak-Livni trio; Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi; and Southern Command head Yoav Galant. No subordinate rank is capable of pro...