Gaza violence intensifies
Ehud Olmert is under political pressure
Thursday, 17, Jan 2008 04:14
A militant and his wife became the latest Palestinians to die in fighting as tensions continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip.
The fatalities reportedly occurred when a car was targeted by an Israel Defence Force (IDF) airstrike, raising the death toll in the last three days to around 25.
The IDF has deployed extra troops to the town of Sderot close to the Gaza Strip border following "massive Qassam rocket fire from Gaza".
Analysts say it is stepping up its efforts to combat rocket fire endangering Israeli homes, resulting in at least 17 people dying yesterday. Among the dead was the son of prominent militant leader Mahmoud al-Zahar.
Heightening violence comes amid renewed calls from Hamas for talks over the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, but Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert is hardening his stance in an effort to stave off domestic political troubles.
"A war is going on in the south, every day, every night," the Reuters news agency quoted him as saying.
"We cannot and will not tolerate this unceasing fire at Israeli citizens... so we will continue to operate, with wisdom and daring, with the maximum precision that will enable us to hit those who want to attack us."
Right-wing party Yisrael Beiteinu walked out of Mr Olmert's governing coalition yesterday over ongoing peace negotiations with the Palestinians, leaving him in control of 67 of the Knesset's 120 seats.
It is feared the move could precipitate a similar withdrawal from the Shas right-wing group, hastening the downfall of his government.