Soccer Dad

What happens when you don't get to finish the job

Hamas has escalated its warfare with Israel. The IDF has identified a new rocket used against Israel. (h/t David Hazony on Twitter)

On Sunday morning, security forces discovered remnants of a projectile that was fired by Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip.

The rocket hit an open area near Kibbutz Alumim. No one was hurt in the incident and no damage was reported.

After examining the projectile, the IDF determined it was a Russian-made S5K-type rocket, intended to be fired from fighter bombers and helicopters to attack ground targets.

(I know the article claims that the rocket was fired by groups looking to undermine Hamas, but given the control Hamas has over Gaza - and its tunnels - I find it hard to believe that the rocket was fired without permission.)

Hamas's buildup of arms and infrastructure since Operation Cast Lead continues. The deterrence achieved from the Israeli attack has dissipated. The upgrade is one more indication of that.

Tom Gross recently reported on the improved economic conditions in the areas controlled by the PA. One thing he observed was this:

The government of Benjamin Netanyahu has removed them all since the Israeli security services (with the encouragement and support of Pres. George W. Bush) were allowed, over recent years, to crush the intifada, restore security to the West Bank, and set up the conditions for the economic boom that is now occurring. (There was one border post on the return leg of the journey, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, but the young female guard just waved me and the two Palestinians I was traveling with through.)

(emphasis mine)

As long as Israel is not allowed to defeat Hamas, Hamas will continue to attack. The refusal of the international community to allow Israel to finish the job, is one of the main reasons there is no peace.