Israel sends reserve units to Gaza

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-13-2009 14:03

Israeli reserve units have entered the Gaza conflict for the first time since military operations began 17 days ago.

Many analysts regard the move as part of preparations for a new phase in the Israeli offensive, aimed at taking over larger portions of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli reservists drink coffee in Yad Mordechai near  Israel's border with Gaza, Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

These Israeli reserve units are training in a military base in southern Israel, ready to leave for the front line any time.

Unidentified Israel reservist said, "There is fear but people are definitely ready. They are prepared and they know where they are going. They want to enter."

Ahead of them, thousands of other reservists are already in action.

For the time being, the units have been taking over areas cleared out by the regular troops, allowing those forces to push forward toward new targets.

Israeli leaders are expected to decide in the next day or two on whether to push the offensive further into Gaza City.

The move would require the use of thousands of reserve units massed on the border with Gaza. Even the Israeli President Shimon Peres has visited hundreds of reservists training at this base to boost their morale.

Analysts say the use of reserves is a strong signal that Israel is planning to intensify the offensive. But the Israeli army has denied that the Israeli forces are moving into a new, more punishing phase.