Israel hints of broader war in region

(press tv) Israel's Defense Minister Israel's Defense Minister says the flames of the next Israeli war would engulf a 'broader' region while admitting that Israelis must be ready to pay a higher price in terms of losses. "The IOF's future operations will be broader and more demanding in terms of their scope and pace, with more risks than Operation Cast Lead ( in the Gaza Strip). We in the political echelon will act so that the ordeal won't come to pass but, still, you must win every trial,"The Jerusalem Post quoted Ehud Barak as saying on Tuesday. He made the remarks days after the Israeli military held its most extensive nationwide drill dubbed "Turning Point 3", preparing itself for a possible regional war by attacking Iran's nuclear facilities. During the 5-day military drill, Israeli forces and civilians prepared themselves for a simultaneous war against Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria and Iran and practiced counterinsurgency tactics against Israeli Arabs. The Israeli Defense Minister cautioned that this war would take place in a condition that the army has not so far experienced, and asked the Israeli society to be prepared to a pay a higher price in terms of losses. "The country will have many challenges, but what matters is the IDF's (Israel Defense Forces) durability and its ability to come out on top in every battle," he added. Israel's recent war against the Gaza Strip resulted in a humiliating defeat for the regime. Tel Aviv which launched its Operation Cast Lead against Hamas in December failed to achive its objectives including the disarmament of the Palestinian resistance fightrer in the Gaza Strip. The all-out war which lasted for 22 days claimed at least 1,350 Palestinian lives and left thousands of others injured.