Israel has refrained from any major military operation since Nov. 4,
when the five-month lull ended with renewed fighting. Since then, Hamas and
its Palestinian militia allies have fired about 200 missiles, mortars and
rockets into Israel.
Hamas has been using heavier and more accurate Kassam-class missiles as
well as BM-21 Grad rockets in strikes on sensitive Israeli installations. On
Nov. 21, a Kassam missile landed in Ashkelon's industrial zone, which
contains strategic facilities, including an electricity generation plant and
fuel depot. In a recent Palestinian missile attack, the power plant, which
provides electricity to the Gaza Strip, was struck.
The Olmert government's failure to respond to Hamas strikes has angered
Israelis who live near the Gaza Strip. Protests have erupted in several
cities, including Ashkelon, targeted by Palestinian gunners.
"We will continue to use force," Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak
said. "But
if the other side works to maintain to truce we will be prepared to do so as
well."
But officials said Olmert and Barak have pledged to Egypt, Jordan and
the United States not to topple the Hamas regime. The Israeli prime minister
and defense minister relayed such a pledge to Jordan's King Abdullah on Nov.
18 during a meeting in Amman.
