Ashkenazi explains IDF objectives in Gaza to army chiefs around world

By YAAKOV KATZ
IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi spoke overnight Sunday with chiefs of staff from around the world to explain Israel's ongoing operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Several hours after Operation Cast Lead began, Ashkenazi called the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, to explain to him the objectives of the operation. Earlier this year, Mullen visited the Gaza border with Ashkenazi during one of his trips to Israel.