Israel Aims To Cripple Hamas, Warn Other Foes: Experts

Israeli soldiers stand on their tanks in a deployment area
near the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip

From AFP:

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel has thousands of troops massed for a ground offensive on Gaza that would aim to deal a hammer blow to Hamas and re-establish Israel's military credentials with its other foes, experts said.

After Israel's 2006 war in Lebanon, widely condemned as a fiasco, this campaign has been scrupulously prepared and few experts believe Hamas can halt the waiting army.

The number of troops and tanks along the 60 kilometre (37 mile) border is a military secret but Israeli leaders say the force is ready and local media say the assault is imminent.

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