"Israeli" Military to resume operations in area beyond Gaza security fence

Source: Haaretz, 02-04-2007
The "Israeli" Military has recently received authorization to operate in a small area on the Palestinian side of the security fence surrounding the Gaza Strip.
The activity is intended to counter the laying of explosive devices targeted at security forces patrolling on the "Israeli" side of the fence, and to identify tunnels dug by militants to smuggle weapons or carry out attacks.
Defense (War) Minister Amir Peretz said in a government meeting Sunday that "Hamas is taking advantage of the calm to strengthen itself. Detailed estimates have been given to the "Israeli" Military on plans to turn [the fence] into a chain of explosives."
The army`s policy, Peretz said, is to operate decisively to counter the firing of Qassam rockets from the Strip before, during and after they are launched.
"There is also both open and covert activity against the threat of tunnels," he said.
Hamas is also taking defense measures to prevent the "Israeli" Military from making a deep incursion into the Gaza Strip.
This activity includes digging bunkers and underground tunnels within the inhabited area of the Strip, and improving the deployment of anti-tank missiles.
Military Intelligence chief Major-General Amos Yadlin claimed in a government meeting Sunday that certain Hamas leaders are not pleased with the Arab peace initiative, and that the group`s armed wing has returned to operation.
Yadlin referred to the shooting injury suffered two weeks ago by an electrical worker near Nahal Oz, and the renewed laying of explosive devices, as evidence of that activity.
Yadlin also cited remarks made by Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh that if the international aid embargo on the Palestinian Authority is not lifted within three months, a third Intifada will erupt.