The situation is a mess, as you probably know by now. For the latest information, read Israellycool and Muqata, who are live blogging the events. The Israelis also had a Twitter Q/A session yesterday.
Also read Netanyahu’s interview with Reuters about the conflict (H/T Hugh Hewitt). Some key excerpts:
Q. What will it take to [end the Hamas rocket threat]?
A. “It will take military action. It will take a united people. In this case there is no difference between the opposition and the coalition. We are united in this, to ward off this criminal assault on our people. I don’t think any country would allow its cities to be rocketed, its citizens to be bombed, its children to be killed and maimed by indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population. It’s just got to stop?”
[snip]
Q. Is Israel seeking the removal of the Hamas government in Gaza … in this operation. Or is this something it is going to pursue further along the line?”
A. “I think ultimately we need to do this. Whether it can be done right now is something I don’t think we should discuss here. But it should be discussed because ultimately, if we don’t do it, then Hamas will rearm itself … Hamas openly declared its goal to eradicate the state of Israel from the face of the earth.”
[snip]
Q. And if you’re elected prime minister in the coming election, will removing the Hamas administration in Gaza be a key goal of your government?
A. “Yes.”
Q. And how would you go about it?
A. “With all the means necessary to achieve it.”
There is also a battle to win over the public, which involves how the events are portrayed in the media. The IDF has set up a YouTube channel to show why Israel is engaging Hamas, but apparently YouTube has been removing videos.
Meanwhile, the Israelis have rejected a cease-fire and continue to fire rockets, despite rumors that they might stop to allow Hamas to discontinue their assault.
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