The events:
Political-Security Cabinet (July 5): "Against the background of the abduction and the continued firing of rockets and mortars, including the firing of a Kassam rocket at Ashkelon, preparations must be made to bring about a change in the rules of the game and the modus operandi vis-à-vis the PA and Hamas."
Operation Summer Rain - IDF Spokesman
Government decisions:
Humanitarian aid:
Behind the headlines:
Israel considers the Palestinian Authority and its Hamas government to be fully responsible for the Kerem Shalom attack and for the fate of the kidnapped soldier, Cpl. Gilad Shalit.
Policy statements:
PM Olmert (July 3): "Israel will not give in to extortion by the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas government, led by murderous terrorist organizations. We will not conduct negotiations on the release of prisoners."
International contacts:
FM Livni (June 28): "While Israel has given full priority to diplomatic efforts, it cannot tolerate a situation where its citizens are held hostage. The Palesitnian Authority is led by a terrorist government committed to a radical and militant Islamic ideology, and continues to engage in terrorism. These grave attacks, taking place with the full involvement and blessing of the Hamas-led PA, only confirm the policy adopted by the international community, and the three core conditions that any Palestinian government must fulfill to be considered a legitimate political partner."