Israel not to expand military action in Gaza soon: report

With Qassam rockets constantly being fired at the western Negev and increased weaponry-smuggling into the Gaza Strip, Israel is not expected to expand its military operation in Gaza before Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's visit to the United States in three weeks, the Ha'aretz daily reported on Sunday.

Olmert is to convene the political-security cabinet this week to discuss Israel's response to Palestinian military threats.

However, calls are increasing in the political arena and security echelon for a larger-scaled operation in Gaza to strike at Hamas and other Palestinian military infrastructure before they obtain additional weapons.

Last week, in its first and extensive operation along the Philadelphi Corridor between the Gaza Strip and Egypt since disengagement, Israeli troops uncovered seven tunnels used to smuggle weapons into Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz has held consultations over the past few days to seek an exit from the political deadlock with the Palestinians. Peretz believes that the lack of progress is dangerous for Israel, and if it continues, it will lead to a major Israeli military action in the strip, the report said.

Escalated military action in Gaza will be more complex than similar ones in the West Bank due to the strip's dense population, and Israeli security brass feared that it would result in numerous army casualties.

At least two Qassam rockets were fired into the western Negev early on Sunday. There were no reports of injuries or damage. At least 14 Qassam rockets have been fired at the Negev since Friday. A Sderot resident was slightly injured by shrapnel in the attacks

Israeli troops continued this weekend operations to destroy arms-smuggling tunnels in southern Gaza Strip.

Source: Xinhua