TOP DEFENSE OFFICIAL: ‘NEXT WAR WITH HAMAS WILL BE THE LAST’:

A senior Defense Ministry official said 15 June 2016 that the next round of fighting in the Gaza Strip against the Hamas terror group was inevitable, because Hamas is gearing up for it, and that it must be the last. "A war of attrition is not an option. The next confrontation must be the last in terms of Hamas’ regime,” said the official. New Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has frequently criticized the government in recent years for failing to smash the Hamas terrorist organization, and repeatedly called for more to be used in the course of the 2014 war, during which he was himself a member of the key security cabinet that oversaw the conflict. With strict border control and occasional large-scale operations, Israel works to deplete Hamas’ supply of weapons and fighters. Meanwhile Hamas, with rockets and "terror tunnels,” hopes to diminish Israeli resolve.

As well as in 2014, Israel launched operations in Gaza in December 2008 and November 2012. The official stressed that Israel does not seek another war, but says "Hamas is a growing threat. Their goal is destroying the State of Israel,” he added. In his first meeting with senior generals after appointed as defense minister last month, Liberman hinted at a new strategy to deal with Hamas, suggesting he would not allow continued military conflicts in Gaza. The defense official also lashed out at Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, describing him as "the number one problem for Israel,” and saying he was not interested in bringing about a peace agreement. "Abu Mazen isn’t interested in progressing anywhere or beginning any process towards peace,” he said. "That man doesn’t have the public support or the will to reach any arrangement or agreement.” (Times of Israel) "He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Prov 29:1