When Will The Madness End?

[USAcommitteeX]

100 Israeli tanks and helicopters flying overhead, entered the northern Gaza Strip early Friday, Israel Radio quoted Palestinian security officials as saying. The sources said that tanks had entered Beit Lahiya, the Jabalya refugee camp, and Beit Hanun.
The move comes after the security cabinet approved unanimously on Thursday Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plans for an expanded military ground operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the launching of Qassam rockets and the recent escalation of hostilities in the region.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and the heads of the Israel Defense Forces presented the plan to Sharon on Thursday evening prior to the cabinet meeting.

The plan, code-named "Days of Penitence," will include an expanded IDF ground operation in areas from where Qassam rockets can be launched in the direction of Sderot, "exacting a price" from terror organizations in Gaza, and preparation for an extended stay in the territory.

A number of cabinet ministers will propose applying heavy pressure on the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip in an effort to compel residents to prevent the firing of Qassam rockets into Israel proper.