Israel is preparing a short, intense air and ground assault on militant positions in Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, Haaretz reports. The Israeli cabinet has given the green light for an operation in retaliation for recent rocket attacks on civilian targets within Israel. Officials will meet again Sunday before any incursion, according to spokesmen.
"We have to use all of our might against the terror infrastructure and create a different security reality around the Gaza Strip," said Israel's military chief. Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned: "Anyone who harms Israeli citizens and soldiers will pay the price." (More Hamas stories.)