Israeli government seeking a workable strategy against Hamas

Renewed rocket attacks by Hamas have triggered the Israeli government to consider taking tough military action against the group. The government feels as though it is under great pressure to step up its actions against Hamas as the group tries to plunder the Israeli election campaign.

More than twenty rockets and mortar bombs have struck the soil of Southern Israel in just two days after the end of the six month truce between Israel and Hamas. Hamas stepped up its attacks as the Israelis conducted a cabinet meeting on how to best deal with the militant groups that are currently in control of the Gaza strip. The meeting however brought to light the differences that exist within the Kadima party that is in power.

Having initiated the war against Hizbollah in Lebanon in 2006 it was ironic to find Ehud Olmert suggesting the government to passively wait and see what happens in Gaza. He said “a responsible government doesn’t rush into battle, neither does it shy away”. He also urged the government not to make overly bold statements but found foreign minister Tzipi Livini vowing to topple the Hamas regime making use of military, economic and diplomatic measures.

The foreign minister shares the mindset of the hard line Likud Party Leader Benjamin Netanyahu who has been foremost in calling for military action against Hamas. Netanyahu said the militant groups defeat was going to come sooner or later. He was reported as saying “In the long-term, we will have to topple the Hamas regime. In the short-term … there are a wide range of possibilities, from doing nothing to doing everything, meaning to conquer Gaza.”

There is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the kind of military efforts that will be required in order to stop the rocket attacks from Hamas. The government seems to be divided in its opinion and confused as to how to go about dealing with Hamas. They admitted not having a workable strategy against Hamas at the moment but are intent on coming to common terms within itself and develop an effective strategy against Hamas.