Israel Matzav

Hamas to send Sharon off with 21-gun salute?

Ariel Sharon's gravesite is well known and well within Hamas rocket range. The funeral time will be publicized. There will be thousands of guests. Will Hamas give its own unique 21-gun salute to Israel's former Prime Minister? This is Aaron Lerner.

So here is the scenario:

The location of Ariel Sharon's future gravesite (he is to be buried next to his wife) has been known for years.

The time of the funeral will be public knowledge.

The funeral itself will have live coverage.

A variety of groups have had all the time in the world to aim rockets positioned in concealed launching positions across the Gaza Strip to strike the funeral service.

Israel may even know about the rockets but under the "quiet for quiet" formula, Israel's hands are tied.

Add to that: launching a strike to destroy the rockets now would not exactly be warmly praised by the White House.

Best guess: Very stern threats and warnings will be passed to the Hamas leadership regarding the consequences of such an attack - an attack that Hamas will be held responsible for regardless of who actually launches the attack.

It remains to be seen if this indeed will suffice.

Hmmm. 

Labels: Ariel Sharon, Gaza, Hamas, Hamas rockets, rockets

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:46 PM