By Anees Barghouthy
JERUSALEM
Israeli opposition leader and MP Isaac Herzog on Tuesday warned of a new round of confrontation between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying it was only a "matter of a few months" before another military standoff between the arch-foes.
"Hamas continues to dig more tunnels under the borders in order to attack Israeli citizens," Herzog, leader of the opposition Zionist Union alliance, said during a meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende.
He warned that if the European Union did not intervene to promote the immediate demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, the next round of conflict would likely occur in a "matter of a few months".
Herzog also criticized the new Israeli government of Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that the composition of the incoming cabinet would "not allow for serious efforts to reach a peace agreement that would provide security for the citizens of Israel".
Israeli security officials assert that Hamas has been digging dozens of cross-border tunnels and developing its military capacity in anticipation of the next round of confrontation.
In July and August of last year, Israel launched a weeks-long offensive on the Gaza Strip with the stated aim of staunching rocket fire from the blockaded coastal enclave.
Over 2,160 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed – and some 11,000 injured – in the offensive, which finally ended with a cease-fire deal signed in Cairo.
At least 73 Israelis – 68 soldiers and five civilians – were also killed during the conflict, which also saw 2,522 Israelis injured, including 740 military personnel.
