“Operation Cast Lead, the 2008-2009 Israeli air-ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza bought more than two years of relative calm along the Gaza border, with Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committee largely refraining from significant attacks against Israel. When attacks were launched, the Israel Defence Forces responded usually with limited and proportionate aerial counter-strikes – a contained but sometimes lethal game whose rules were understood by both sides.

The circle of Israel’s taut anti-munitions blockade along its borders and on the coastal margin, despite assurances, was never properly closed on the Egyptian frontier. This allowed Hamas and its allies to replenish – and increase – the arsenal of missiles and other weaponry that had been decimated during Cast Lead. Iran has long played a malevolent role in stiffening the resolve of extremist groups in Gaza to maintain their hard-line against Israel. It continued to do so in the post Cast Lead years; supplying funds, munitions and training. Of particular concern to Israel was the supply of large quantities of Iranian manufactured Fajr-5 long-range missiles, capable of striking up to 75 kilometres. This brought Tel Aviv into Hamas’ missile range for the first time, as its citizens have discovered in the past few days.

In recent months Hamas was emboldened by the rise of its ideological counterpart, the Muslim Brotherhood, in Egypt and the restrained Israeli response to its attacks. It dramatically turned intent into action a week ago through a lethal ambush against an Israeli border patrol and the launch of 120 missiles into Israel in two days.”

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