A disagreement about targeting the Hamas leaders broke out last night during the Security Cabinet meeting, this according to a report by Yisrael Hayom. Minister of Finance Yair Lapid demanded that the Hamas leaders, including Khaled Mashal and Ismail Haniya who are in Qatar, be targeted as part of the efforts to hit Hamas as hard as possible; PM Netanyahu reportedly refused. Lapid was supported by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Minister of Economy Naftali Bennet. The explanation given for Netanyahu’s refrain form this course of action was that it “enables Israel further international maneuverability”.
Hamas leaders’ homes were bombed by the IAF, but only when it was clear that they were not there. Former Hamas head Nahiyeh’s home was hit on Monday (Jul. 28th). Commenting on this attack, Major-General (res.) Giora Eiland said attacking Haniyeh’s home is not important, “he couldn’t care less” said Eiland. Haniyeh himself said: “My home is no more precious than the homes of the Palestinian people. The destruction of rocks will not weaken our will and we will continue to resist until freedom is achieved.”
Hamas leaders have been hiding since the beginning of Operation ‘Protective Edge’ underground, in hospitals and at other locations which cannot be targeted without exacting a heavy civilian toll.
By Aryeh Savir
Tazpit News Agency