Israel's Defense Forces Move Into Gaza
The official statement by the Israel Defense Forces announcing the movement of ground forces into Gaza:
Second Stage of Operation Cast Lead Begins
03 January 2009 , 20:54
Saturday evening (Jan.3), IDF forces began to implement the second stage of Operation Cast Lead. Ground forces have begun to maneuver within the Gaza Strip.
The objective of this stage of the operation is to destroy the
terrorist infrastructure of the Hamas in the precise area of operation,
while taking control of some of rocket launching area used by the Hamas
in order to greatly reduce the quantity of rockets fired at Israel and Israeli civilians.
The IDF Spokesperson emphasizes that this stage of the operation will
further the goals of Operation Cast Lead as communicated till now: To
strike a direct and hard blow against Hamas while increasing the
deterrent strength of the IDF, in order to bring about an improved and
more stable security situation for residents of southern Israel in the
long term.
A large number of IDF forces are taking part in this stage of the
operation including infantry, tanks, engineering forces, artillery and
intelligence, along with the support of the Israel Air Force, Israel Navy, Israel Security Agency and other security agencies.
The operation is in accord with the decisions of the Security Cabinet.
This stage of the operation is a part of the IDF's overall operational
plan, and will continue on the basis of ongoing situational assessments
by the IDF General Staff.
The forces participating in the operation have been highly trained and
were prepared for the mission over the long period that the operation
was planned. The Commander of the operation is Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, GOC Southern Command.
The IDF and the Home Front Command
has taken the necessary steps to protect the civilian population. All
residents of Southern Israel are requested to follow the guidelines of
the Home Front Command as communicated via the media.
The IDF Spokesperson wishes to reiterate that the residents of Gaza are not the target of the operation. Those who use civilians, the elderly, women and children as human shields
are responsible for any and all injuries to the civilian population.
Anyone who hides a terrorist or weapons in his house is considered a
terrorist.
Based on a situational analysis, The IDF is taking steps to raise the level of alert for its forces in other areas of the country.
G-d bless Israel and her heroic military! I wish them success and safety. I respect this decision to enter the Gaza Strip, and will pray for the safety of the Israeli soldiers as well as the families of the soldiers.