Defense Minister Barak Hints Large Scale Operation In Gaza Inevitable

IDF troops operating in northern Gaza concluded the first stage of Operation Warm Winter over the weekend aimed at destroying the terror infrastucture in the northern Gaza neighborhood of Sajaya and Jabaliya refugee camp. Troops backed by armored, engineering and air support will continue operating in the  area in the coming days. According to military officials the second stage of the operations includes patrolling urban areas and searching and destroying weapons and bunkers. Meanwhile Defense Minister Ehud Barak declared at Sunday's cabinet meeting that a largescale operation in the Gaza Strip is still a tangible option. At the same time, while Israel is not keen to launch such an offensive, if deemed necessary it will not shy away from it he added.03/02/08