November 17, 2008 (LPAC)--Israeli air strikes in Gaza this afternoon killed at least four fighters reportedly belonging to the Popular Resistance Committees, who were manning mortar positions. This could be the beginning of another sustained military action by the IDF in Gaza, after a ceasefire has been largely successful since being negotiated with the help of Egypt in June. Conditions in Gaza are hellish, with a complete blockade by Israel in force since about Nov. 7. On Nov. 14, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) announced that the organization, which provides the majority of food for Gaza residents, had run out of supplies.

But as international organizations pressured Israel to end the blockade, which is "collective punishment" of a population innocent of attacking anyone, statements by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Secretary Ehud Barak pointed to a possible attack. Since early November, there has been an increase in the Qassam rocket fire from Gaza into Israel towns that lie right up against the border. One Israeli was slightly injured today in the town of Sderot. Prior to today's cabinet meeting, Olmert stated that "we are not eager for a fight" but neither would Israel avoid one if the Hamas government doesn't stop the rocket fire. At the cabinet meeting, Olmert announced that he had ordered security chiefs to draw up plans to "end" the mortar and rocket attacks.

Yesterday, Barak, who is under criticism for showing too much "restraint" in Gaza, told an academic conference in Neve Ilan that the attacks from Gaza are "intolerable and unbearable," and "It is possible that when the time comes there will be a need for a large-scale operation, because we cannot accept a prolonged violation of the lull." But, reported the fanatical right-wing Arutz Sheva website, Barak also said that "hotheadedness is not policy" and that, "I am a Minister of Defense, not of War," reminding the audience that "we saw two years ago what consequences a hurried decision has for Israel's security" -- a reference to the 2006 attack on Lebanon.

The right wing is rabid: Residents of the town of Ashkelon told the media that "we will set the country on fire," if there is no attack on Gaza. Former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz is calling for resuming the targetted assassinations of Hamas, and Likudnik Knesset member Yuval Shteinitz (Likud) said the current government is "groveling before the terrorists" and has to be replaced.

Ha'aretz reported late today that "Top Israeli Brass Slam War Mongers" among the Israeli ministers and politicians.