Decision on Gaza postponed until day Rice reaches Israel
Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 1 March February, 2008

Israel Radio reported today that the political-security cabinet is scheduled
to convene Wednesday to discuss plans for a major operation in the Gaza
Strip - the same day that Prime Minister Olmert will be meeting with
Secretary of State Rice.

It remains unclear if the move is in order to postpone a major move until
after the visit or give Rice the opportunity to veto and/or provide an
excuse for PM Olmert for not invading Gaza.

There is some speculation that a decision won't actually be made on
Wednesday and that instead Olmert will send the security heads back to do
more homework answering questions raised at the meeting - thus delaying
approval of a major operation yet another week in the hopes that by that
time the level of shooting will reduce to the point that the operation can
be indefinitely postponed.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il