Operation Pillar of Defense (Day Seven)

Clinton arrived in Israel and made a joint statement with Netanhayu.



Video embedded below.





The first Israeli soldier since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense has been killed by rocket fire.

http://news.yahoo.com/israeli-soldier-killed-gaza-rocket-183628554.html

"The Israeli military says a soldier has been killed in a rocket attack on southern Israel.

In a statement, the army said the 18-year-old serviceman was killed Tuesday afternoon.

It was the military's first fatality since it launched an offensive in the Gaza Strip last Wednesday. The operation is meant to halt rocket fire out of Gaza."

There were some reports of a coming cease fire, but those reports proved to be erroneous.

Video embedded below.



Hamas does have something to gain be claiming a cease fire is coming. In some media circles, it will be use as further evidence Israel is the 'bad guy' as Hamas will be shown as waning to end the violence. Frankly, Israel has little reason to ask for a cease fire right now. The Iron Dome has proven remarkably successful, and they know if they end their offensive early Hamas can/will rearm and start the hostilities all over again a bit down the road (as happened following Operation Cast Lead.

The IDF has warned journalists to stay away from Hamas members, for fear of getting caught in the cross fire. The IDF fears that Hamas is using, or will try to use, those journalists as human shields.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/israel-warns-journalists-stay-away-hamas_663755.html

"The Israeli army has issued a warning to journalists: Stay away from the terrorist group Hamas. The warning was issued on Twitter:

IDF @IDFSpokesperson Warning to reporters in Gaza: Stay away from Hamas operatives & facilities. Hamas, a terrorist group, will use you as human shields. 20 Nov 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite

The warning comes after several targeted attacks hit high-level targets seeking refuge in the same building holding journalists.

The Israeli army says it "surgically targeted a Hamas intelligence operations center on 7th floor of a media building in #Gaza." The military claims a "direct hit."

IDF @IDFSpokesperson Minutes ago, we surgically targeted a Hamas intelligence operations center on 7th floor of a media building in #Gaza. Direct hit confirmed. 20 Nov 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite

To be sure, the Israeli military says, those terrorists were there to plan attacks:

IDF @IDFSpokesperson The Hamas terrorists weren't in the media building to be interviewed. They were there to communicate with field operatives and plan attacks. 20 Nov 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite

Yesterday, a similar targeted attack wiped out terrorists using journalists as human shields in Gaza."

Six Palestinians were executed in front of a mob in Gaza after being accused of being Israeli spies. At least of the people executed was then dragged through the streets tied behind a motorcycle.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2235635/Gaza-conflict-Egyptian-president-says-peace-Gaza-imminent-predicts-lasting-ceasefire-begin-tomorrow.html

"Six men accused of being 'Israeli spies' were dragged through the streets of Gaza City and executed in front of a chanting mob today as Israel warned Palestinians to evacuate some areas of the territory in apparent preparation for a ground invasion.

Witnesses said the six were taken to an intersection in the north of the city where they were summarily shot for providing intelligence that helped Israel pinpoint key figures in Hamas and the Islamic Jihad targeted by their warplanes."

You can find the grim pictures at the source above.

The IDF have released the clip of their strike on the house of the commander of central Gaza Hamas training bases.



The Color Red ('tzeva adom' in Hebrew) app sends a warning message directly to your smartphone giving someone a presuous few extra seconds to reach cover (you can find the app at https://itunes.apple.com/il/app/zb-dwm./id533447506, and you can use the https://itunes.apple.com/il/app/secure-spaces/id467924709 app to help you figure out where to go).

Video embedded below.



See more at http://www.jpost.com/Features/InThespotlight/Article.aspx?id=292682

The IDF has released this seventh day recap.

Video embedded below.



The Associated Press is reporting the following current casualty count.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57552440/clinton-in-israel-aiming-for-gaza-cease-fire

"PALESTINIAN CASUALTIES
According to Gaza health officials
Militants killed:79
Civilians killed:54
Wounded:840

ISRAELI CASUALTIES
According to the Israeli military
Military killed:1
Civilians killed:4
Wounded:Dozens"

Past Posts on Operation Pillar of Defense (from first to last):
Berman Post: Israel Launches Operation "Pillar of Defense"
Berman Post: Operation Pillar of Defense (Day Two)
Berman Post: Operation Pillar of Defense (Day Three)
Berman Post: Operation Pillar of Defense (Day Four)
Berman Post: Operation Pillar of Defense (Day Five)
Berman Post: Operation Pillar of Defense (Day Six)