Israel Set for Gaza Invasion after Rocket Barrage

Israel moved closer to invading Gaza, saying Thursday it had wrapped up preparations for a broad offensive after Palestinian militants fired about 100 rockets and mortar shells across the border in two days.

Barak Warns Hamas will Pay a ‘Heavy Price’ if Rocket Fire Continues

Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned on Thursday that terrorists in the Gaza Strip would pay a “heavy price” if they continued to target Israel, as the IDF finalized preparations for a possible large-scale assault on the coastal territory.

Israeli Leaders Vow to Topple Hamas

The two frontrunners in the race to become prime minister after a snap election in February both vowed to topple Hamas, which has run Gaza since violently seizing power there in June 2007.

Iran Conducts War Games Near Strait of Hormuz

Iran is conducting a second day of war games near the Strait of Hormuz. The Fars News Agency reports fighter jets successfully launched air-to-sea missiles against a predetermined target.

IAEA Frustrated Over Lack of Transparency in Iran, Syria

The International Atomic Energy Agency is holding a two-day meeting to examine reports on the alleged nuclear activities of Iran and Syria, both of which has sparked international concern. In comments before the commission on Thursday, agency chief Mohammed ElBaradei said neither country had done enough to assuage concerns about their programs. 

Iran Might Offer Military Aid to Lebanon

Lebanon’s President Michel Suleiman arrived in Iran for a first official visit on Monday. He was greeted by Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki at Tehran’s airport, Iranian news agency IRNA reported.

Prospect of Israeli Strike in Iran More Likely

Intelligence sources have told the London-based The Times newspaper that the prospect of Israel taking preemptive military action to knock out Iran’s nuclear facilities appears to have become significantly more likely in recent weeks.

Hamas Says ‘We’re Prepared to End Cease-Fire and Confront Israel’

Hamas’ military wing announced Tuesday it was
“prepared for a confrontation with Israel” and for the end of the
cease-fire with Israel. But political sources said the cease-fire was
expected to go on.

Israel President says Syria Knows it will Get Land Back in Peace Deal

President Shimon Peres, on the first day of a state visit to Britain on Tuesday, devoted part of his speech on the issues of peace and globalization at Oxford University to United States President-elect Barack Obama. Peres’ speech was then disrupted by anti-Israel protesters. 

Israel, Germany Develop Nuclear Warning System

Working in secret, Israel and Germany have jointly developed a nuclear missile detection system, according to the Defense News Web site. Code-named Project Bluebird, the system is based on the prototype of an aerial infrared sensor designed to identify a nuclear-tipped missile speeding toward a target amid a cluster of decoy missiles.