JERUSALEM — The army has completed plans for a large offensive in the Gaza Strip and is waiting for government approval, the military chief said Wednesday, shortly after two Palestinian militants were killed by Israeli tank fire in the coastal area.
Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi said that until he receives the go-ahead for a broad operation, Israel would continue with its policy of airstrikes and brief ground incursions to halt Palestinian rocket attacks.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has said that the time for a widespread ground invasion of Gaza is drawing close. But Tuesday, he said now is not the time for a broad operation, which likely would result in heavy casualties to soldiers and Palestinian civilians in Gaza’s crowded urban landscape.
