'Evacuate Gazans so IDF can attack'
JPost.com Staff , THE JERUSALEM POST Mar. 5, 2008
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Defense Minister Ehud Barak is seeking legal approval to evacuate thousands
of residents of Gaza City to locations in the south of the Strip to enable
the IDF to attack terror infrastructure without hurting civilians, Channel 2
reported Wednesday evening.

The report came after the Security Cabinet decided Wednesday morning to act
in an "ongoing and consistent" manner to end rocket attacks and other
terrorist activity from the Gaza Strip. The cabinet held a special meeting
to debate the response to ongoing rocket attacks on Ashkelon and the western
Negev.
The ministers also decided that it would coordinate with various elements,
including Egypt, in order to weaken the Hamas government without creating a
humanitarian crisis.

Israel, they decided, will continue to further peace efforts while
maintaining operational freedom to conduct counterterrorism measures and
focusing on
hasbara (public diplomacy) efforts to bolster Israel's media image.

The home front was also addressed during the meeting, with ministers
deciding to divert attention towards providing further protection for
Israeli citizens living within the range of the rockets.

According to Israel Radio, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz demanded that
the IDF be sent on a large-scale operation to "crumble Hamas," but was
overruled by the rest of the forum.