Analysis: Pinpoint accuracy is key to IAF's Gaza strikes | Jerusalem Post

Analysis: Pinpoint accuracy is key to IAF's Gaza strikes | Jerusalem Post
Lets face it -- targeted killings by both air and ground assets against terrorist networks in Gaza provides Israel a better cost benefit than large scale ground invasion, though it can't be assured of stopping portable missile launches like ground possession does. It is optimal for a small, extremely dense area like Gaza. By reducing collateral damage to civilians (you can't eliminate it), Israel keeps international pressure off your back as long as it is seen to be reacting to unprovoked attacks on your civilians. By keeping terrorists underground and on the run -- lest a special forces unit or a helicopter blow them up -- it deprives them of time to recruit, plan and effect terrorist missions. By destroying weapons caches, it deprives the physical fuel for conflict; by going after leaders rather than steamrolling neighborhoods, it doesn't engender as much hatred from Palestinians who realize that Hamas is bringing this upon itself -- and them. this also assists in the recruitment of intelligence assets among the Palestinians, to help make the next strike be more effective and accurate. Finally targeted killings make terrorist leaders think twice about their policies, if they are going to have to worry about being killed. To the extent anyone expects anything positive out of Abbas and Fatah, it helps them too.

Israel should keep up this pressure, without any letup.