The most important conflict in the Middle East heats up

PM will convene security council to formulate Gaza plan
"Netanyahu says 'no country would absorb rockets on cities, citizens'; he's determined to take away terror groups' ability to harm Israelis; PM set to depart for Russia, Barak overseas"

Shalom: Situation reminiscent of run-up to Cast Lead
"Vilna'i says 'only a matter of time until we clash with Hamas again'; IDF strikes Grad launcher; '5 Gazan terrorists killed overnight.'"

DEBKAfile, Escalating Palestinian missile-mortar fire on Israeli cities boosts tension
Palestinian missiles, rockets and mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip have rained down on Israeli towns and villages relentlessly for the past ten days.

9 Palestinians killed in IDF strikes on Gaza
"4 civilians among dead; PM 'expresses regret' for innocent loss of life; IDF probing mortar attack that killed children; army says it struck 4 known terrorists trying to attack Israel; Hamas threatens strong response."